General
bold
What does bold mean?
Naughty or badly behaved, especially of a child. Not the standard 'brave/daring' sense.
"You're a bold boy — no telly for you tonight."
Origin
Hiberno-English retention/shift of 'bold' toward the sense of misbehaviour.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'bold' mean in Ireland?
It means naughty or badly behaved, especially of a child — not the standard 'brave' or 'daring' sense.
Why does bold mean naughty in Irish English?
It's a Hiberno-English shift where 'bold' took on the sense of misbehaviour rather than courage.
How do you use 'bold'?
Tell off a misbehaving child, e.g. 'You're a bold boy — no telly for you tonight.'
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