The modern meaning of bully is strongly negative, but that was not always true. In Early Modern English, the word could be used warmly for a sweetheart, a dear companion, or a fine fellow.
This older sense likely came into English from Dutch, where related forms had positive meanings. Over time, English speakers used bully in several friendly ways before the word shifted toward the sense we know today, a person who is habitually cruel or intimidating.
- bully boy: a dear companion or brave fellow
- bully rook: a fine fellow
- bully for a sweetheart, in older usage
The change is a good reminder that word meanings can move dramatically over time. A word that now sounds harsh may once have sounded affectionate or admiring. Context and time period matter a great deal when reading older English texts.
