guv

Cockney respectful address

Guv is British slang for governor, used as an informal term of address to a man, especially one in a position of authority: Right away, guv.

It's associated with working-class London speech and often appears in crime dramas when characters address their boss.

The tone ranges from respectful to cheeky depending on context.

address

mate

Partner or companion

palClose trusted companion
bossWorkplace superior
chiefTop-ranking leader

mister · sir · fella · chap · squire · bloke · buddy · man · dude · bro

authority

governor

State's chief executive

bossWorkplace superior
managerOne who directs others
supervisorOne who directs workers

foreman · overseer · chief · gaffer · superintendent · director · employer · head · captain · skipper

Categories

Britishismsbloke, blimey, bloody, cheers, loo
British slangblag, bloke, bodge, blagger, bobby
London slanginnit, bruv, fam, roadman, bare
nicknamesnickname, pet name, alias, handle, moniker
guysguy, men, dude, boys, fella
Cockney slangapples and pears, boat race, mince pies, porky pies, rhyming slang

Opposites

formality of address

guvsir

Formal male address

Your Honour · Your Excellency · Your Worship · Your Grace · mister

social direction of address

Partner or companion

pal · chum · lad · boy · son

Family

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G