1850, American English, possibly an alteration of brother, or from British colloquial butty "companion" (1802), itself perhaps a variant of booty in booty fellow "confederate who shares plunder" (1520s). But butty, meaning "work-mate," also was a localized dialect word in England and Wales, attested since 18c., and long associated with coal miners. Short form bud is attested from 1851. Reduplicated form buddy-buddy (adj.) attested by 1952, American English.
Lenny Kent, a long-time fave here, is really in his element. ... After four weeks here he's got everone in town saying, "Hiya, Buddy, Buddy" with a drawl simulating his. [Review of Ned Schuyler's 5 O'Clock Club, Miami Beach, Fla., "Billboard," Nov. 12, 1949]Buddy system attested from 1920.
1931, perhaps originally U.S. underworld slang, usually with up, from buddy (n.). Related: Buddied; buddying.
To share living quarters and conditions with; form a close association or two-person team: These guys are alike; OK if they buddy up?/ Swimmers, buddy up (1930+)
ace boon coon, asshole buddy, good buddy
[1850+; fr earlier butty, ''partner, chum,'' said to be fr Romany; probably influenced by a childish pronunciation of brother]