goombah
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology 1
Probably originates from the Neapolitan cumpà, (Italian compare and the Sicilian cognate, cumpari, akin to Spanish compadre), and literally means "godfather," but used to denote "friend." To an English-speaking ear, the unaspirated stops of Southern Italian (especially Neapolitan) are interpreted as voiced stops, yielding "goombah."
[edit] Noun
goombah (plural goombahs)
- (US, slang, pejorative) A person of Italian descent.
- (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.
[edit] See also
[edit] Etymology 2
see gumbe
[edit] Noun
goombah (plural goombahs)
- Alternative form of gumbe, a Jamaican drum.
