goombah

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology 1

Probably originates from Italian compare (or the Sicilian cognate, cumpari, both akin to Spanish compadre), used in southern Italy abbreviated in cumpà and literally means "friend". To an English-speaking ear, the unaspirated stops of Italian are interpreted as voiced stops, yielding "goombah."

[edit] Noun

Singular
goombah

Plural
goombahs

goombah (plural goombahs)

  1. (US, slang, pejorative) A person of Italian descent.
  2. (US, slang) A companion or associate, sometimes with the connotation of an older friend who acts as a patron, protector or adviser.
[edit] See also

[edit] Etymology 2

[edit] Noun

Singular
goombah

Plural
goombahs

goombah (plural goombahs)

  1. An alternative spelling of gumbe, a Jamaican drum.