buddy

Everyday

1. A buddy (informal) is a friend or partner. tree →
2. A buddy is a partner you are paired with to help and look after each other, as in a buddy system at school or when swimming. tree →
3. To buddy up is to pair up with someone as partners. tree →

In the lessons

In school and safety: a reading buddy is an older pupil who reads with a younger one; a «buddy bench» in the playground is where children sit if they want someone to play with; in swimming, hiking and school trips the «buddy system» means each child keeps an eye on a partner, so nobody gets lost. Mostly American and Australian; British English often says «mate» or «friend». Phrases: «best buddy», «reading buddy», «buddy system», «buddy bench», «buddy up with».

Examples

• Max is my best buddy. tree →
• On the school trip, stay with your buddy. tree →
• My reading buddy is in Year Six. tree →
• If you're lonely, sit on the buddy bench. tree →
• We buddied up for the science experiment. tree →
• Divers always swim with a buddy. tree →
• Hey, buddy, can you help me? tree →
• Count your buddies before you leave the pool. tree →

Note

Plural buddies (y → ies). Informal, so in formal writing use «friend» or «partner». «Hey, buddy» is friendly, though it can sound annoyed in some tones. Do not confuse with «body».