buddy informal,
chiefly N. Amer.
■ noun ( plural buddies ) a close friend.
↘a working companion with whom close cooperation is required.
↘a person who befriends and helps an Aids sufferer.
■ verb ( buddies , buddying , buddied ) (often buddy up with/to ) become friendly with.
Origin
C19: perh. an alt. of brother , or a var. of butty 2 .