toughie

[tuhf-ee] /ˈtʌf i/
noun, Informal.
1.
a tough person, especially one who is belligerent.
2.
a difficult problem or situation:
That math test was a real toughie!
3.
a harsh or blunt book, movie, etc.
Also, toughy.
Origin
1920-25; tough + -ie
Slang definitions & phrases for toughie

toughie

noun
  1. A menacing person, esp a man; tough, tough guy: getting the toughies off the streets/ That servant will talk her out of it. She's a toughie (1929+)
  2. Something difficult; a severe test: This is a toughie/ has
  3. toughies barring its way to a perfect season (1945+)