good-guy
UK[ˈɡʊd ˌɡaɪ]US[ˈɡʊd ˌɡaɪ]
n
A morally good or heroic character in a story, film, etc., especially one who opposes the villain.
n
A person who is considered to be honest, helpful, and morally upright.
Morpheme Breakdown
good
guy
good
adj
guy
n
Etymology
The compound "good guy" is a relatively modern English formation, relying on the straightforward combination of two established words. "Good" originates from the Old English gōd, a term of Germanic lineage with a core meaning of "virtuous, desirable, or valid." "Guy" entered common usage as a term for a man in the 19th century, derived from the effigies of Guy Fawkes burned on Bonfire Night. The logic of the compound is transparently literal: a "good man." Its primary application in narratives to denote the heroic protagonist opposing the "bad guy" solidified in 20th-century popular culture, particularly in Westerns and pulp fiction, where moral roles were clearly defined. The term has since expanded to describe any person perceived as honest and benevolent in real-life contexts.
Analysis
Structure: good (adj) + guy (n)
- good: From Old English gōd, of Germanic origin. Functions as an adjective describing positive moral qualities.
- guy: From the given name Guy, via Guy Fawkes. Functions as a noun meaning a man or person.
Examples
In classic movies, the good guy usually wears a white hat.
You can trust him with your secret; he's a real good guy.
The plot twist revealed that the supposed good guy was actually the mastermind behind the crime.