Even before the film gangs of New York came out, I’ve been aware that there was a group calling themselves “The Bowery Bhoys”. They’re in the history of New York that I’m reading now, too. They ain’t Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Gabe Dell, and the guys down at Louis Dumbrowski’s Sweet Shop, neither. Apparently a tough bunch.
My question: Why “bhoys”? Did they like the cute spelluing? Is this some Irish name, or approximation of its pronunciation? Why not “Bowery Boys?”
Approximation of an “Irish” inflection. The b’hoys were all Irish lads.