Definition of the word boy toy

The expression "boy toy" originated in the late 1970s as a slang term to describe a young man, usually in his 20s, who is kept by an older woman, often for the purpose of providing companionship and sexual pleasure. The phrase is a take on the phrase "doll" or "shopping doll," which refers to a doll-like woman kept by a rich man as a decorative ornament. By applying the term "boy toy" to men, it is suggested that they, too, are treated as objects, and their relationships with older women can often be viewed as superficial or exploitative. Despite its pejorative connotations, some men may still choose to embrace the label as a badge of honor, representing youth, vitality, and desirability.