ENGLISH
REFERENCE

barry

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈbæɹi// bar·ry

n. a common male name in English-speaking countries. It is also used in the UK and Australia as a slang term for a typical or average man.

n. a masculine given name of Gaelic origin, common in Ireland, the UK, and Australia. In specific British and Australian contexts, it serves as a generic placeholder name for an archetypal or unrefined male.


SIMPLE

My neighbor Barry is a very friendly man.

CONTEXTUAL

The office manager, Barry, organized the annual holiday party for all the staff members.

COMPLEX

While the name Barry reached its peak popularity in the mid-twentieth century, it remains a recognizable fixture in cultural references to a specific generation of working-class men.

Etymology 1

Anglicized form of Irish Barra, short form of Fionnbharr, from fionn (“white”) + barr (“head”).

Etymology 2

In Wales, said to be named after Saint Baruc, who was buried on Barry Island, from Welsh Barrwg, a name of uncertain origin but possibly related to Irish barr (“hill, summit”).

Etymology 3

Diminutive forms with -y.

Usage

When used as a proper name, it is always capitalized.

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