boy friend - boyfriend

When you a friend who is a boy, can you say " a boy friend" ?

eg: Lucy is going steady with a boy friend of mine.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Andrea

When you a friend who is a boy, can you say " a boy friend" ?

eg: Lucy is going steady with a boy friend of mine.

You could say that, but you would have to pause after "boy". To avoid confusion, you could say "male" friend or just "a" friend. :wink:

Is this a gender thing? I hear a lot of women use girl friends while only a handful men say boy friend.

[Tdol]

'Boyfirend' is mostly used for someone the speaker is having a relationship with, while girlfriend has two meanings. I don't think I've ever heard any male say 'boy friend'- they would use something like 'mates' in British English to. Men have 'lads' nights out' or go out 'with the boys', but only women and gay men have boyfriends as far as I know.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Tombraiders

Is this a gender thing? I hear a lot of women use girl friends while only a handful men say boy friend.

Yes, it is a bit of a gender difference. :wink:

[Lini]

I only say boyfriend if I habve a relationship with him. I normally say just a friend... no matter if it's a boy or a girl!

[Tdol]

I do the same.