Wide boy facts for kids

A wide boy is a British term for a person who is very clever and uses their smarts to make money. They often do this by "wheeling and dealing," which means buying and selling things in a quick, sometimes tricky, way. The word "wide" here means "wide-awake" or "sharp-witted." It also refers to the wide suits and ties (called kippers) that these people sometimes wore.

What is a Wide Boy?

A wide boy is someone who lives by their cleverness. They are good at making deals and finding ways to earn money. Sometimes, these ways are a bit dishonest. They might be like a ticket tout (someone who resells tickets for more than their original price) or a trader in a black market. A black market is where goods are bought and sold illegally, often when things are scarce. A wide boy uses clever tricks rather than force to get what they want.

History of the Term

The term "wide boy" was first used in a book in 1936. This book described people involved in less-than-legal activities during the First World War. In the 1933 film Friday the Thirteenth, a character played by Max Miller says, "I'm the widest boy ever put on a pair of shoes!" This shows how the term was already linked to quick-witted, street-smart people.

During World War II, many people became involved in the black market. This was because many goods were hard to find. The term "wide boy" started appearing in newspapers more often from 1947 onwards. Newspapers used it to describe people like ticket touts, fraudsters, and black market traders.

Wide Boys in Movies and TV

Many famous characters in British TV shows and films are good examples of wide boys. They are often charming but a bit cheeky. Some of these characters include:

• Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses
• Frank Butcher from "EastEnders"
• Private Walker from Dad's Army
• Jim London from Up the Elephant and Round the Castle
• Vincent Swan from White Gold
• Flash Harry from the St Trinian's films

The term was also used as the title for a 1952 film called Wide Boy (film). It starred Sydney Tafler and Susan Shaw.

Other Uses of "Wide Boy"

Sometimes, the term "wide boys" is used in a funny way to talk about wingers in sports. This includes Association, Gaelic, or Rugby Football. A winger is a player who plays on the sides of the field.

See also

• Underground economy
• Teddy Boy
• Confidence trick
• Dave Courtney