Definition and pronunciation
playboy — noun: a man (typically wealthy and socially visible) known for a glamorous, pleasure-seeking lifestyle, often with many romantic or sexual liaisons.
Pronunciation: /ˈpleɪˌbɔɪ/. Plural: playboys. (Capitalized Playboy refers to the magazine/brand.)
Easy explanation
A playboy is a stylish, social man who spends a lot of time and money on fun—parties, travel, dates, luxury. The word can sound admiring or critical, depending on context.
Part of speech and grammar
- Noun (countable): a playboy; two playboys.
- Attributive use: playboy lifestyle, playboy image, playboy billionaire.
- Derivatives/near-forms: playboyish (informal adjective), reformed playboy (set phrase).
- Gendered counterpart sometimes seen: playgirl (also a brand title); many writers prefer gender-neutral wording like socialite or partygoer.
Register and tone
Literary to journalistic. Can be playful, glamorous, or judgmental. In neutral writing, describe specific behaviors (dating widely, lavish spending) rather than relying on the label.
Connection to sexuality
Yes, indirectly. The term often implies frequent dating or casual sex, but it does not describe explicit acts. Use precise language about consent, power, and safety when that matters.
Common collocations
notorious playboy; international playboy; wealthy playboy; jet-set playboy; aging playboy; reformed playboy; playboy image; playboy lifestyle; playboy bachelor; tabloid playboy
Idioms and expressions
- reformed playboy — someone who settles down after a wild period
- playboy about town — socially active man in a city scene
- the playboy lifestyle — shorthand for glamour, travel, parties, and multiple romances
Prepositions and nuance
- playboy of the 1960s / of the Riviera — era or scene
- playboy about town — local social circuit
- playboy with money/taste — highlights resources or style
- playboy in headlines / in tabloids — media framing
The preposition narrows context; the core meaning (glamorous pleasure-seeker) stays the same.
Word comparisons
- playboy vs rake — rake is literary and emphasizes sexual excess and irresponsibility.
- playboy vs libertine — libertine signals moral license or defiance; playboy leans to glamour and leisure.
- playboy vs womanizer/philanderer — these stress chasing partners; playboy adds wealth/style.
- playboy vs hedonist — hedonist is any pleasure-seeker (food, art, rest), not necessarily flashy or romantic.
- playboy vs bon vivant/sybarite — those focus on refined, comfortable living; sexual connotation is lighter.
- playboy vs bachelor — bachelor is marital status only; no implication of lifestyle.
Real-life examples
- The profile painted him as an international playboy, but colleagues described a disciplined manager.
- A romance novel follows a “reformed playboy” who commits to one partner.
- Headlines leaned on “playboy lifestyle” to explain the yacht photos—critics called it lazy shorthand.
- The documentary contrasts the playboy image with the pressures of constant publicity.
Sample sentences
- Reporters once branded the actor a playboy; he later focused on charity work.
- The series flips the trope: the supposed playboy sets firm boundaries and respects consent.
- She joked that her brother has playboy taste in hotels but a homebody’s bedtime.
- After years as a famous playboy about town, he announced his engagement.
- The tabloid’s “playboy” label ignored his long-term relationships.
Synonyms
womanizer, philanderer, rake, libertine, Lothario, Casanova, roué, cad, boulevardier, bon vivant, partygoer, socialite (contextual)
Antonyms
monogamist, faithful partner, family man, ascetic, puritan, homebody, devoted spouse
Related terms
rake, libertine, hedonist, bon vivant, sybarite, playgirl, socialite, jet set, high society, bachelor, scandal, tabloid, glamour, reputation, consent, boundaries
Notes and etiquette
The label can carry sexism or glamorize harmful behavior. In professional or health contexts, describe conduct precisely (dating multiple partners, lavish spending) and center consent and respect. Capitalize Playboy only for the brand.
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