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pal

n. · v.
US //ˈpæɫ// UK //pˈæl// pal
  1. 1 a friend (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a friend or a person you spend time with.

    a companion or friend. Informal in register; common in British and Australian English.

    Example

    We have been best pals since we started primary school together.

    Example

    He went for a few drinks with his old school pals to celebrate his recent promotion.
  2. 2 hostile address (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a word used to address a man, often when the speaker is being unfriendly or angry.

    an informal term of address for a male, frequently employed ironically to signal hostility or a warning.

    Example

    Listen, pal, I do not want any trouble in my shop.

    Example

    The bouncer stepped forward and told the rowdy customer to move along, pal, before things got physical.
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  1. 3 to spend time together (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to spend time with someone as a friend.

    to associate as friends; typically used with 'up' or 'around'.

    Example

    The two boys palled up quickly during their first week at summer camp.

    Example

    He spent most of the summer palling around with the local musicians, hoping to learn some of their techniques.

    Usage

    Usually appears as 'pal up' or 'pal around'.
Word family

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