long-time buddy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-time buddy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a friend or companion with whom one has had a close relationship for a significant period of time. Example: "I've known Mark since childhood; he's been my long-time buddy through thick and thin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On April 30 2003, the playwright Stephen Jeffreys, at home in London, received a call from Russ Smith, a long-time buddy and business partner of John Malkovich.

The Guardian - Film

I first heard him mentioned by his long-time buddy Guy Clark at Sand Mountain in Houston, then had someone steer me to the Old Quarter on a night that he was playing.

The New York Times

He credits early influences like Steve Martin and Cheech & Chong, but it wasn't until long-time buddy Mark Chapin, who co-produced Ross' surprisingly layered documentary, Patriot Act: A Jeffrey Ross Home Movie, nudged him toward comedy when Ross was in his early twenties that he found his true calling.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's been a long, long time, buddy".

The New York Times

Long time buddy, Adam Mendez.

Vice

Me: Well, hopefully I'm not going to die for a very long time, buddy, but Son: I SAID, what happens when you TIE? Like in a race?

Huffington Post

We are not long time buddies.

TechCrunch

Sadly, we have lost a good friend and long-time golf buddy.

The New York Times

In their reading, Iago and Othello – long-time army buddies – used to be bosom chums.

The Guardian

The first, and least important: He is one of my long-time basketball buddies, for whom I have the greatest personal and professional admiration notwithstanding our profound political differences.

Forbes

Jeb's father and brother won the White House by embracing the advice of political strategists and long-time running buddies Lee Atwater and Karl Rove.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long-time buddy" in informal contexts to describe someone you've known and been friends with for many years. It conveys warmth and familiarity.

Common error

Avoid using "long-time buddy" in formal or professional documents. Opt for alternatives like "longstanding colleague" or "long-term associate" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-time buddy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a person as a friend with whom one shares a history. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-time buddy" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to describe a friend with whom you share a history. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct. While perfectly suitable for informal settings, it should be replaced with more formal alternatives like "longstanding friend" or "long-term colleague" in professional contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and its main purpose is to convey a sense of enduring friendship and shared experiences. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you wish to convey, whether it's simply the duration of the friendship or a shared history of camaraderie.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-time pal

Similar to "long-time buddy" but uses "pal" which can sound slightly more casual.

old friend

Focuses on the duration of the friendship, being a simpler and more common alternative.

longstanding friend

Highlights the duration and established nature of the friendship, offering a more formal tone.

life-long friend

Emphasizes that the friendship has lasted or is expected to last an entire lifetime.

long-term companion

Emphasizes the companionship aspect of the relationship over an extended period.

old comrade

Suggests a shared history, possibly involving shared experiences or struggles.

childhood friend

Specifies that the friendship originated in childhood.

long-time associate

More neutral and emphasizes a professional or social connection over many years.

old crony

Suggests a close, perhaps slightly mischievous, friendship of long duration (can sometimes have negative connotations).

long-term acquaintance

Highlights that the relationship has endured for a long period, but without necessarily implying deep friendship.

FAQs

What does "long-time buddy" mean?

A "long-time buddy" is an informal way to refer to a friend or companion with whom you've had a close relationship for a significant period of time. It suggests a sense of familiarity and shared history.

What can I say instead of "long-time buddy"?

You can use alternatives like "old friend", "longstanding friend", or "long-term companion" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "long-time buddy" appropriate for professional communication?

Generally, no. "Long-time buddy" is informal. In professional settings, it's better to use terms like "long-term colleague" or "long-time associate".

How do I use "long-time buddy" in a sentence?

Example: "I ran into my "long-time buddy", Mark, at the grocery store." or "He's been my "long-time buddy" since we were kids."