добрый дядька

12:16 Feb 3, 2009 

Depending on context, it may also mean "good guys" as opposite to "bad guys" (also like in films), the "childish" style is here in place as well, but the word "дядьки" here is not an allusion to a superior ("adult") position but just a colloquial, joky word for "men".

11:27 Feb 3, 2009 

Vitali, thank you. I am beginning to understand this much better. Something like the "Mr Nice" of the pair "Mr Nice and Mr Nasty," who stereotypically alternate in so many cop films and pulp fiction about the police...

11:12 Feb 3, 2009 

Sorry, "figurative meaning", not "figural meaning"

11:06 Feb 3, 2009 

Well, there is a variance of it - "добрый дядя". "Дядя" is not only an uncle in the meaning of relationships but also "mister", a word used by little children with regard to adult men. This words accents a "childish" position (status) of a speaker with regard to the man in question. "Добрый дядя" in this view is someone who give presents or candies. In the figural meaning (spoken by adults) it is surely ironic. Someone who expresses their generous attitude is "Добрый дядя" (some sponsor or some defender) but we know that such a "добрый дядя" will require something in return. That's why he/she "invariably turns out to be злой"

23:48 Feb 2, 2009 

Thank you. I assumed about as much at first, but very often the contemporary context seems to be distinctly skewed in the directions I suggest above. Then again, I ay be being paranoid or may only be aware of part of the picture.

22:53 Feb 2, 2009 

Typically it is some one who is soft-spoken, outwardly exhibits good nature and kind-heartedness, usually to win your trust to screw you over later. Lots of times policemen and investigators are called that. Politicians too. Don't know of a good succinct equivalent in English. Don't know either if the phrase acquired new meanings in recent years with some sub-groups. Colleagues will help.