Pal is an English colloquialism that is used to mean friend, as a term of address and as part of the phrasal verb pal around. A colloquialism is a word or phrase that has arisen from English but is not considered formal or grammatical. Colloquial words or phrases are used very frequently in spoken English. The word pal comes from slang of the late-1600s and is thought to be from the Romany (English Gypsy) word pal, meaning brother or comrade. The verb form ‘pal around’ was originally the late-1800s pal in, which became pal up before settling on pal round / around by 1915.
Meaning Of ‘Pal’
A pal is a close friend, mate, chum, or buddy (usually male but can also apply to females); also a term of address for a stranger, usually a male.
Pal Verb Form
As a verb pal is used with around in to pal around, meaning to spend time together as friends; to behave as friends; for two people to act as if they are friends.
Pen Pal
A pen pal is someone with whom you exchange letters and thus become friends. A pen pal is usually someone from a foreign country or someone from far away.
Sentence Examples
“You’ve met my pal Henry. He’s going to help us fix your car.”
“Hey, pal, do you have a light?”
“Thanks, pal. I appreciate the help.”
“Come on—be a pal. Give me half of your candy bar.”
“Me and him have been pals since we were in the sixth grade.”
“Hey, Joe, doesn’t, uh, Michaelson pal around with a Ryan from ”C” Company?” — Saving Private Ryan (1998)
“Janie, what happened? We used to be pals.” — American Beauty (1999)
“Right. Give me a Pepsi Free.” “You want a Pepsi, pal, you’re going to pay for it.” — Back to the Future (1985)
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