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 Southern American Spanish cumpa.

Alternative forms

goomba

Pronunciation

(US) IPA^(key): /ˈɡumbɑ/
(UK) IPA^(key): /ɡuːmˈbɑː/
Rhymes: -ɑː
Hyphenation: goom‧bah

Noun

goombah (plural goombahs)

(US, slang, pejorative, ethnic slur) A person of Italian descent.
Synonyms: 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.

Translations

person of Italian descent — see wop

Etymology 2

Noun

goombah (plural goombahs)

Alternative form of gumbe, a Jamaican drum.

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