bad boy
Rebel with attitude
Bad boy describes a man or boy whose rebellious, reckless, or rule-breaking behavior makes him attractive—especially romantically.
The appeal lies in danger and nonconformity: She always fell for the bad boys.
The term extends to products or things that are impressively powerful or unconventional: Check out this bad boy—it's got 500 horsepower.
In the second sense, bad boy is affectionate and admiring.
Someone who plays tricks
- tricksterCunning deceiver in myth
- impishPlayfully mischievous in manner
- roguishMischievously charming
- cheekyPlayfully disrespectful
sly · teasing · rascal · scamp · rapscallion · devilish · troublemaker · scoundrel
Openly resisting control
- insubordinateDefying rightful authority
- disobedientRefusing to follow orders
- unrulyDifficult to control
- nonconformistRejects prevailing social standards
maverick · renegade · troublemaker · wild · untamed · authority issues · dissident · radical
Without roughness or difficulty
- suaveSmoothly refined in manner
- flirtatiousPlayfully romantic in manner
- seductivePowerfully attractive, tempting
- alluringPowerfully appealing
irresistible · captivating · playful · witty · debonair · magnetic · smoldering · cocky
prankster
Someone who plays tricks
cheeky · sly · teasing · rascal · scamp · rapscallion · devilish · troublemaker · scoundrel · wicked grin
defiant
Openly resisting control
- insubordinateDefying rightful authority
- disobedientRefusing to follow orders
- unrulyDifficult to control
nonconformist · maverick · renegade · troublemaker · wild · untamed · authority issues · dissident · radical · iconoclast
smooth
Without roughness or difficulty
- suaveSmoothly refined in manner
- flirtatiousPlayfully romantic in manner
- seductivePowerfully attractive, tempting
alluring · irresistible · captivating · playful · witty · debonair · magnetic · smoldering · cocky · confident
gangster
Criminal organization member
hoodlum · delinquent · felon · convict · ex-con · tough guy · street · gang member · hustler · dealer
brooding
Anxiously dwelling on something
- tormentedSubjected to severe distress
- complexHaving many interconnected parts
- flawedHaving faults or imperfections
enigmatic · dark past · redemption · lone wolf · reluctant hero · vigilante · tragic · damaged · outsider · cynical
- dating typesplayer, gold digger, nice guy, hopeless romantic, commitment phobe
- male typesalpha male, beta male, sigma male, macho man, nice guy
- archetypeshero, villain, trickster, mentor, mother
- romantic typeshopeless romantic, romantic, lover, flirt, heartbreaker
- Romance Clicheslove at first sight, happily ever after, soulmate, true love, meant to be
- rule breakersrulebreaker, transgressor, violator, offender, lawbreaker
bad boygood boy
Praise for obedient pet
straight arrow · goody two-shoes · teacher's pet · boy scout · conformist
bad boygentleman
Courteous, honorable man
nice guy · good guy · choirboy · altar boy · stand-up guy
bad boynice guy
Pleasant, considerate person
boy next door · safe choice · Mr. Right · steady Eddie · safe bet