[General] Usage of big lug

[thedaffodils]

lug (PERSON) Show phonetics
noun [C] US SLANG
1 an awkward or stupid man

2 an affectionate word for a man:
Come over here and give me a kiss, you big lug.

Cambridge Dictionaries Online - Cambridge University Press

Hello! Could someone illustrate the usage of entry 2 of lug? 'dear' is also an affectionate word, but what kind of man does it refer to?

Thanks!

[Ouisch]

This is hard to explain, but "big lug" is a general term of affection for any man, no matter what his physique. It is something a woman would say to him as an affectionate term while at the same time trying not to embarrass him or make him feel less "manly." For example, if your husband or boyfriend does something particularly thoughtful for you, something which a male might be embarrassed for his friends to know (say, he brought you breakfast in bed), a woman might express her appreciation by saying, "Thanks, you big lug." It is a way of expressing your thanks and affection without being overly romantic.

[thedaffodils]

Ouisch,

Thank you for your illustration.

Interesting term! I seem to understand it.

eg. Mary wanted to eat icecream in midnight. The stores near their homestead had been closed at that time, so her hushand Tom voluntarily had to run far to buy it back for her.

Could Mary call Tom big lug?

Big lug = a guy who does something awkwardly, irrationally, unexpectedly for his wife / girlfriend, who were kinda moved. Am I right?

We have such a term, stupid if translated literally, for such a person. But it doesn't mean he is stupid, but very lovely though awkward.