guy

Definition

An effigy of a man burned on a bonfire on the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot (5th November).

Etymology

Coined by semantic widening from the name of Guy Fawkes (1570–1606), an English Catholic executed for his role in the Gunpowder Plot, from Old French Gui, a form of Proto-Germanic *Wido, a short form of names beginning with the element witu "wood" from Proto-Germanic *widuz, such as Witold and Widukind. Cognate with Italian Guido.

Example Sentences

• "“But shan’t I look a guy?” “Not a bit of it. Jist the very kick!”"
• "I am always a perfect guy, whatever I wear, when I sit against a red curtain. You men say that a woman always knows when she’s good-looking, but I am happy to say I know when I look a guy."
• "And the lady from the provinces, who dresses like a guy, And who “doesn’t think she dances, but would rather like to try” […]."