bobbasheely

Etymology

From Choctaw itibapishili (“(he or she is a) sibling, friend; (we) nursed together”), from itibapishi (“sibling, friend, one who was nursed together with (someone)”), from iti (“each other”) (compare Creek eta (“the same; oneself; in compounds: joined, two, each other”)) + iba (“with”) + pishi (“suckle”) (compare Creek pese, epese (“(her) breast”)). The English term was first used in print in 1962 in Faulkner's The Reivers.

Why this word is great

BOBBASHEELY — [Noun, Verb] A close friend bound by something deeper than camaraderie, one whose presence feels like kinship; or, to linger in the easy, unspoken comfort of such companionship. From Choctaw itibapishili ("sibling, friend; one nursed together with"), from iti ("each other") + iba ("with") + pishi ("suckle"). Popularized in English by Faulkner's 1962 novel The Reivers. Unlike "buddy" (a casual ally) or "pal" (a cheerful accomplice), bobbasheely carries the weight of a bond forged in quiet understanding, the kind that needs no explanation. It is the friend whose silence fits like a well-worn glove, the porch light left on without asking, the way two old dogs curl together in the same patch of sun—proof that some ties are woven not by choice, but by something older, softer, and far more stubborn.

noun

A good friend.“He kissed her cheek. She could feel for herself how cold and sweaty her skin was. 'Lucy you darling bobbasheely,' he coaxed her, 'there's nothing for you to be afraid of. Nothing! It's the naturalest thing in the world. And I love you, there's no question about that.'”

verb

To hang out with (friends).