The word 哥们儿 is formed through a colloquial, affectionate fusion of three elements: 哥 (gē), meaning "older brother"; 们 (men), a plural suffix; and 儿 (er), a diminutive and familiar suffix common in northern dialects like that of Beijing. By blending these, the term transforms the singular, familial concept of "brother" into a warm, inclusive, and informal plural, directly evoking the sense of a close-knit group of male friends or "buddies" with a distinct tone of camaraderie and regional character.