Problem: Bullying, a centuries-old term, was first coined in German in 1538 and means a fine chap, a hired ruffian, or a blustering browbeating person, especially one who is cruel to weaker individuals. The third definition is most commonly used. However, there are discrepancies between this popular dictionary definition and the definitions used by researchers. Within research circles, the most familiar and widely cited definition of bullying comes from Dan Olweus, originally proposed in the 1970s and reiterated in his classic book "Bullying in School" (1993). He defines bullying as a student being exposed, repeatedly, to negative actions by one or more other students. Rewrite. Need Assignment Help?