Definitions For Goombah

Etymology 1

From {{der, en, nap, cumpà, , buddy, pal, lit=godfather, pos=akin to {{cog, it, compare}}, {{cog, scn, cumpari}}, {{cog, es, compadre}}, from {{der, en, la, compater}}}}, a word often used to refer to “family friends” or friends close enough to be considered an “aunt” or “uncle”, though not related by blood. To an English-speaking ear, the unaspirated stops of Southern Italian dialects (especially Neapolitan) are interpreted as voiced stops, yielding goombah. Compare South American {{cog, es, cumpa}}. {{doublet, en, compadre}}.

Alternative forms

goomba

Pronunciation

(US) /ˈɡumbɑ/ (UK) /ɡuːmˈbɑː/ {{rhymes, en, ɑː}} {{hyphenation, en, goom, bah}}

Noun

GOOMBAH (plural GOOMBAHs) (US, slang, pejorative, ethnic slur) A person of italian descent. : Synonym: dago, Eyetie, greaseball, Guido, guinea, wog, wop (US, slang) A companion, pal, close friend, or associate, used especially among italian-american men. It sometimes has the connotation of an older friend who acts as a patron, protector or adviser.