An affectionate way to refer to a boy or son; a familiar term for a child.
坊や、早くごはんを食べなさい。
Hey little boy, eat your meal quickly.
母親が坊やを抱いて寝かしつけた。
The mother held her little boy and put him to sleep.
あの子はみんなに『坊や』と呼ばれている。
That child is called 'boy' by everyone.
Derogatory use meaning 'mere boy' or 'greenhorn'—used to belittle someone's inexperience.
そんな考えは坊やの言うことだ。
That's something only a mere boy would say.
彼はまだ坊やで、重要な任務には向かない。
He's still a youngster and not suited for an important task.