thataboy, int. slang (chiefly U.S.).
(ˈðætəbɔɪ)
Also that a boy, thatta boy, etc.
[Corruption of that's the boy (cf. that dem. pron. B. 1 b), or alteration of attaboy int.]
An exclamation of encouragement or admiration; = attaboy int.
| 1936 J. Dos Passos Big Money 287 ‘All right, let's go,’ he said. ‘Thataboy,’ roared Farrell. 1975 M. Bosse Man who loved Zoos iv. 96 ‘What should I tell Hopkins?’ ‘Tell him..I'm not up a blind alley yet.’ ‘Thatta boy.’ 1978 M. Puzo Fools Die xi. 114 Frank patted me on the shoulder. ‘That a boy,’ he said. |