buddy buddy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buddy buddy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a relationship that is overly friendly or familiar, often implying insincerity or superficiality. Example: "Their buddy buddy attitude made it hard to tell if they were genuinely friends or just putting on a show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"His minister was buddy buddy with the president of Tunisia, so it looked like France supported the authoritarian leader, and this was an embarrassment to Sarkozy.

Huffington Post

Though you may feel like your interviewers really like you and that they're getting buddy buddy with you, you should avoid mentioning anything overly personal about yourself.

WikiHow

In fact, trying to get too buddy buddy can lead to complications or can make it feel like you're trying a little too hard to make a good impression.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The new "A-Team" is basically a buddy-buddy-buddy-buddy film.

The New York Times

Not buddy-buddy, but strictly professional.

The New York Times

He's buddy-buddy with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She was not, to my recollection, buddy-buddy with anybody.

The New York Times

"You start at this really great percentage, and you're buddy-buddy and everything's great," Emily said.

The New Yorker

"I don't have a relationship with athletes of a buddy-buddy nature at all.

Independent

It may be Hate Month around here but it was buddy-buddy over at Ilford Courthouse.

The New Yorker

They are almost single-handedly responsible for the buddy-buddy movie.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buddy buddy" to describe relationships that seem overly friendly or familiar, especially when there might be an ulterior motive or lack of genuine connection.

Common error

Refrain from using "buddy buddy" in formal or professional settings, as it can sound unprofessional or dismissive. Opt for more neutral terms like "collaborative" or "friendly" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buddy buddy" functions as an adjective to describe the nature of a relationship. As Ludwig AI states, it typically describes a relationship that is overly friendly or familiar, often implying insincerity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buddy buddy" is used to describe a relationship that is excessively friendly or familiar, often implying a lack of genuine connection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, though it's important to note its informal register. It is grammatically correct but is rare in frequency and it is more commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, use "buddy buddy" to describe potentially superficial or insincere relationships, but avoid it in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "chummy" or "thick as thieves" can offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chummy

Describes a friendly and informal relationship, sometimes excessively so.

bosom buddies

Implies a very close and intimate friendship.

thick as thieves

Implies a very close and possibly secretive relationship.

palsy-walsy

Suggests an overly familiar and sometimes insincere friendliness.

in cahoots

Indicates a secret or collusive partnership.

hand in glove

Suggests a close and cooperative working relationship.

close friends

Describes a general state of friendship.

intimate associates

Highlights a strong connection between individuals.

friendly terms

Describes a good, but not necessarily deep, relationship.

familiar terms

Indicates a comfortable and informal relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "buddy buddy" in a sentence?

You can use "buddy buddy" to describe a relationship that is overly friendly or familiar. For example, "Their buddy buddy attitude made it hard to tell if they were genuinely friends".

What does "buddy buddy" mean?

"Buddy buddy" describes a relationship that is overly friendly or familiar, often suggesting insincerity or a superficial connection.

What can I say instead of "buddy buddy"?

You can use alternatives like "chummy", "thick as thieves", or "palsy-walsy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "buddy buddy" in professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "buddy buddy" is generally considered informal and may not be suitable for formal or professional writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "collaborative" or "friendly".