Bruiser

A 'bruiser' is a physically strong and aggressive person, especially one who is prone to fighting or bullying. This term often implies a rough and tough exterior, sometimes associated with a lack of refinement. They can be skilled in combat or simply use their strength to intimidate or inflict harm. The word carries connotations of violence and a tendency towards physical confrontation. While it can sometimes describe a successful athlete, the primary implication involves a predisposition towards physical aggression, a characteristic that can manifest in various settings, from the streets to the sports arena. The word itself reflects an individual who is tough, imposing, and unafraid to use force.

Bruiser meaning with examples

• The bar was known for attracting bruisers who readily settled arguments with their fists, creating a tense and intimidating atmosphere for anyone who dared enter. The owner often had to break up fights involving the patrons. The establishment catered to a specific clientele comfortable with a high level of physical display of power and strength, rather than verbal confrontations.
• In the hockey game, the team's bruiser took the ice, ready to protect his teammates and deter the opposition's aggressive tactics. His presence was enough to intimidate opponents, knowing that a cross-check was a guaranteed response. His role was to maintain control on the ice, and that was a huge part of the team's success.
• The gang leader was a notorious bruiser, feared throughout the neighborhood for his violent temper and willingness to use force. People were afraid of his size and physical stature. His control extended beyond the gang to the other gangs, due to the bruiser's intimidation of the community.
• The protagonist, a former soldier, was a bruiser who struggled to adapt to civilian life, often resorting to violence to resolve conflicts. His military training shaped his actions. Finding it hard to suppress his aggressive tendencies, his past trauma haunted him. Finding social and emotional outlets was a struggle.
• Despite his impressive physique, the boxer was considered a bruiser, his style heavily relying on brute strength rather than technical finesse. Many critics regarded his boxing style as unrefined and focused on using brute force to wear down opponents. The critics noted that with a lack of true defense, the bruiser's matches were usually very short.