attaboy and attagirl

Attaboy and attagirl are quick cheers of encouragement: “nice job!” or “way to go!” They’re squeezed-down versions of “that’s the boy” and “that’s the girl.”

What they mean

You say attaboy to a boy, man or male dog that just did something well, and attagirl to a girl, woman or female dog. Coaches shout it from the sideline. Parents say it at the playground. Half the dog owners in any park say it twenty times an hour.

It also works as a noun meaning a bit of praise: “The boss doesn’t hand out many attaboys.”

Examples

• “Attaboy! That’s how you catch a ball.”
• “Attagirl, you nailed the interview.”
• “He got a couple of attaboys from his manager and has been unbearable ever since.”
• “Sit. Good. Attagirl.”

Where they came from

Dictionary.com dates attaboy to around 1905–10, most likely a reduced form of “that’s the boy” or “that’s a boy.” Say “that’s the boy” fast and it really does come out as “atta-boy.” Attagirl was recorded around the same time. You’ll also see atta boy, ataboy and thattaboy.

Can it sound patronizing?

It can. From a boss to an adult employee, “attagirl” in particular can land as talking down, the way you’d praise a child or a pet. Between friends, or to a kid or a dog, it’s just warm.

Related terms

• Slay: to do something brilliantly.
• Ate: did it perfectly.
• W: a win.
• Pop off: go all out, do amazing.

More throwback and old-school words are in our 90s slang guide.