goombah

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1 1.1.1 Noun 1.1.1.1 See also 1.2 Etymology 2 1.2.1 Noun

[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

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

• dago
• wop
• guinea

[edit] Etymology 2

[edit] Noun

goombah (plural goombahs)

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