A wealthy man who devotes his life to pleasure, luxury, and changing love affairs. The term often has a slightly negative or critical connotation.
example
Er hatte den Ruf eines Playboys, der von einer Party zur nächsten reiste und nie lange bei einer Frau blieb.
He had the reputation of a playboy who traveled from one party to the next and never stayed with one woman for long.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Playboy' is a loanword from English, made up of 'play' and 'boy'. The meaning was taken directly into German and describes a man who treats his life like a game.
EXAMPLE
In alten Filmen wird oft das Bild des charmanten Playboys gezeigt.
In old films, the image of the charming playboy is often shown.
Negative connotation
The term 'Playboy' (playboy) is rarely meant neutrally or positively. It often conveys a critical attitude and implies a superficial lifestyle, a lack of seriousness, and unreliability in relationships.
EXAMPLE
Sie möchte keinen Playboy daten, sondern einen Partner für eine ernsthafte Beziehung.
She doesn't want to date a playboy, but rather a partner for a serious relationship.
Typical collocations
Common expressions connected with 'Playboy' (playboy) are 'den Ruf eines Playboys haben' (to have the reputation of a playboy), 'als Playboy gelten' (to be considered a playboy), or 'ein Leben als Playboy führen' (to lead the life of a playboy).
EXAMPLE
Er genoss seinen Ruf als Playboy und Lebemann.
He enjoyed his reputation as a playboy and bon vivant.