atta boy
"Nice work, kiddo!"
Atta boy is an exclamation of encouragement or approval, typically from a man to another male: Atta boy, you nailed it!
The phrase contracts "that's a boy" and carries a hearty, backslapping tone.
It can sound patronizing when directed at adults, particularly from a superior.
The female equivalent is atta girl.
Praise and honor
- bravoAcclaim for performers
- well-doneFully cooked or praised
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
compliment · props · cheers · thumbs-up · pat-on-the-back · shout-out · high-five · recognition
Impetus toward a goal
- boostUpward push or increase
- cheerJoyfulness or encouragement
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
- heartenTo give courage
reassure · spur · rally · morale · inspiration · bolster · buoy · invigorate
Brief head tilt
- endorsementFormal expression of support
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
thumbs-up · affirmation · acknowledgment · okay · green-light · go-ahead · acceptance · favor
kudos
Praise and honor
- bravoAcclaim for performers
- well-doneFully cooked or praised
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
accolade · compliment · props · cheers · thumbs-up · pat-on-the-back · shout-out · high-five · recognition · admiration
motivation
Impetus toward a goal
hearten · reassure · spur · rally · morale · inspiration · bolster · buoy · invigorate · energize
nod
Brief head tilt
- endorsementFormal expression of support
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
blessing · thumbs-up · affirmation · acknowledgment · okay · green-light · go-ahead · acceptance · favor · consent
- encouragementsyou can do it, you got this, you've got this, keep going, keep it up
- exclamationsoh, yes, no, wow, hey
- praiselauding, compliments, laudation, accolades, great job
- informal approvalokay, cool, nice, great, awesome
- positive responsesaffirmation, compliment, praise, encouragement, approval
- Cheershooray, hurrah, hurray, huzzah, yay
atta boydiscouragement
Loss of confidence
put-down · insult · derision · mockery · belittlement
atta boyget lost
Dismissive order to leave
drop dead · boo hiss · go away · cold shoulder · silent treatment