Originally a Dutch term of endearment meaning 'lover,' the word 'bully' underwent a complete reversal from affectionate praise to aggressive intimidation over two centuries.
Definition
The repeated use of force, coercion, or intimidation to abuse or dominate others
The Full Story
Dutch16th centurywell-attested
Bullying derives from the noun 'bully,' which entered English in the 1530s from Dutch 'boel' meaning 'lover, sweetheart,' itself a diminutive or familiar form of Middle High German 'buole' (brother, lover). Theword's original English meaning was startlingly positive — a 'bully' was a term of endearment, a fine fellow, a sweetheart. Shakespeare used it this way: 'Bully Bottom' in A Midsummer Night