old mates
Friends from before
Old mates is an Australian and British expression for longtime friends, often used with casual warmth: We're old mates from school.
The phrase emphasizes duration and familiarity rather than age—old mates may be young people who've known each other for years.
Sometimes used ironically when reuniting with someone after conflict: Oh, we're old mates now, are we?
- companionsThose who accompany
- palsInformal term for companions
- friendsVoluntary close relations
- comradesClose allies in cause
- buddiesInformal term for friends
mateship · chums · confidants · cronies · camaraderie · reminiscence · yarns · golden years · storytelling · loyalty · pub · banter · recollection · good times · adventures · war stories · rapport · reacquainted
old matesstrangers
People unknown to you
acquaintances · nodding acquaintances · colleagues · associates · contacts
old matessworn enemies
Adversaries committed to opposition
old, mates, older, oldest, olden, elder, eldest, mate, mated