tough guy

• Personne qui cherche à paraître forte, agressive ou intimidante, souvent pour masquer une insécurité ou affirmer sa domination dans une situation. Peut aussi désigner une personne réellement robuste et endurcie.

A person who tries to appear strong, aggressive, or intimidating, often to mask insecurity or to assert dominance in a situation.

1. Strong and resilient manB1informal

   A man who is physically strong, brave, and able to endure hardship or pain.

   homme rude et endurci

   • He acts like a tough guy, but he's really kind-hearted.
   • The movie star is famous for playing tough guys.
   • Don't try to be a tough guy; it's okay to ask for help.

2. Aggressive or intimidating personB1informal

   A person, usually a man, who behaves in a rough, aggressive, or intimidating manner.

   dur à cuire

   • The tough guy at the bar started a fight.
   • He put on a tough guy act to scare the newcomers.
   • She's not afraid of any tough guy in the neighborhood.