A cattle herder on horseback who tends herds of cattle, especially in the historical American West. The figure is strongly associated with images of freedom, nature, and adventure.
example
Als Kind wollte er immer ein Cowboy sein und durch die Prärie reiten.
As a child, he always wanted to be a cowboy and ride across the prairie.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word 'Cowboy' was taken directly from English and is made up of 'cow' and 'boy'. So it literally means 'Kuhjunge' (cow boy).
EXAMPLE
Die Aufgabe der Cowboys war es, die großen Rinderherden zu treiben.
The cowboys' job was to drive the large herds of cattle.
Context clue
The meaning depends heavily on the context. If people are talking about the Wild West or films, the original meaning is intended. In modern contexts such as traffic or work, the negative figurative meaning is usually meant.
EXAMPLE
Im Westernfilm besiegt der mutige Cowboy die Banditen.
In the Western film, the brave cowboy defeats the bandits.
Colloquial meaning
Using 'Cowboy' for a reckless person is colloquial and has a clearly negative evaluation. It describes someone who does not follow rules.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Handwerker war ein echter Cowboy, die ganze Arbeit war schlecht gemacht.
This tradesman was a real cowboy; all the work was badly done.