Wiktionary
big lug
n. (context colloquial affectionate English) A man with a large, strong physique but a gentle personality.
Usage examples of "big lug".
Now he's a big lug - a big, squirmy lug, who was doing his best to get out of Mama's arms.
I just hope the big lug didn't worry himself sick when we were overdue and start shedding or something.