papa bear
Protective male parent
Papa bear is an affectionate term for a protective, nurturing father figure—someone who watches over family or loved ones with fierce devotion: He went full papa bear when someone criticized his kids.
The image draws on the protective nature of male bears guarding their territory.
In trucker CB radio slang, a papa bear is a state police officer, distinguished from a regular "bear" (any police officer).
- daddyInformal term for male parent
- father figureMale role model
- just rightExactly as needed
- protectiveServing to guard
- gruffHarsh in manner
too hot · porridge · once upon a time · den · father · burly · hairy · leader · Bill O'Reilly · big bad · growl · fairy tale · cottage · big · strong · fierce · nurturing · woods
- bear storiesGoldilocks
- protectivenessguarding, shielding, sheltering, defender, protector
- protective parentshelicopter parent, tiger mom, hovering parent
- familymother, father, parents, siblings, parent
- menman, guys, male, blokes, guy
- affectionate peoplehugger, cuddler, snuggler, lover, sweetheart