goombah
English
Etymology 1
Probably originates from the Neapolitan cumpà (“buddy, pal”, akin to Italian compare, Sicilian cumpari, Spanish compadre, from Latin compater, literally “godfather”), 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 Spanish cumpa.
Alternative forms
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 239: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈɡumbɑ/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 239: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ɡuːmˈbɑː/
- Rhymes: -ɑː
- Hyphenation: goom‧bah
Noun
goombah (plural goombahs)
- (US, slang, derogatory, ethnic slur) 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.
Translations
person of Italian descent — see wop
Etymology 2
Noun
goombah (plural goombahs)
- Alternative form of gumbe, a Jamaican drum.