The state, condition, or realm of bullies and bullying behavior; the world or system dominated by bullies.
From 'bully' (origin uncertain, possibly from Dutch 'boel' meaning 'lover' or 'brother,' later acquiring meaning of 'ruffian') combined with the suffix '-dom' (Old English, meaning 'state' or 'condition'), following the pattern of 'kingdom,' 'serfdom,' etc.
The suffix '-dom' is fascinating because it doesn't just mean a place—it means a way of life or set of values. Just as 'Christendom' meant the Christian world, 'bullydom' represents an entire culture where aggression and intimidation are the norms. It's a linguistic way of making abstract social behavior feel concrete.
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