bruiser

Bruiser is a term used in English to describe a large, physically formidable person who uses brute strength or aggression in confrontation. As a noun, it often refers to someone who tends to win conflicts by force, and as an adjective, it can describe a style characterized by power and blunt force. The word comes from bruise, alluding to the damage such a person can inflict; its earliest uses date to the 19th century in English slang for rough, brawling men.

In sports and combat contexts, a bruiser is a player who relies on size, strength, and tenacity rather than finesse. In boxing or mixed martial arts, a bruiser is a pressure fighter who presses the opponent with heavy, hard shots. In contact team sports like football or rugby, a bruiser is a forward or running back known for breaking tackles and short-yardage gains.

In popular culture, bruiser is commonly used as a nickname for performers known for a physical style. Bruiser Brody, the ring name of Frank Goodish (1933–1988), is a notable example in professional wrestling. The term is also used for fictional characters or other athletes described as physically formidable.

In modern gaming and media, bruiser also refers to a character class or role that combines durability with moderate to high damage, designed to frontline and absorb punishment while dealing consistent output.