Sawbones - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Sawbones is an informal, often humorous term for a surgeon or doctor. It originated in the 19th century and is sometimes used to mock or lightly criticize medical professionals.
Definition:
Informal term for a doctor or surgeon, often used humorously or derogatorily.
Synonyms:
medic, physician, surgeon, doc
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
patient, layperson
Common Collocations:
army sawbones, country sawbones, old sawbones
Derivatives:
sawboning (rare), sawboned (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use 'sawbones' informally for doctors; avoid in formal contexts due to its humorous or dismissive tone.
Common Phrases:
old sawbones, trusty sawbones, back-alley sawbones
Etymology:
Originated in the 19th century from 'saw' (referring to surgery) and 'bones' (human anatomy).
Examples:
- 1. The sawbones fixed my broken arm quickly.
- 2. My grandfather called his doctor "the old sawbones."
- 3. Don’t trust that back-alley sawbones with your health!
- 4. The army sawbones worked tirelessly during the war.