Bully
One who uses verbal or physical assault to intimidate and subjugate. Euphemism for terrorism. Continuing the cycle. (see also Terrorism)
How We Say It
bool·ee
Where It Comes From
16th-century English, originally a term of endearment meaning 'sweetheart' or 'fine fellow' — from Middle Dutch boele (lover). Shifted to mean a swaggering ruffian by the late 17th century, then narrowed to one who harasses the weaker. Theodore Roosevelt's 'bully pulpit' used the older positive sense — 'bully' as 'excellent.'
How It's Been Used
Schoolyard application is 20th-century — the systematic study of bullying as a social phenomenon dates to research by Dan Olweus in Scandinavia in the 1970s. Now extends to workplace bullying, cyberbullying, and political characterizations of leaders. The word's reach has expanded faster than agreement on what behavior qualifies.