goombah

English

Etymology 1

From Neapolitan cumpà and Sicilian cumpari (“buddy, pal”, akin to Italian compare, 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. Doublet of compadre, compeer, and compere.

Alternative forms

• goomba, gumba, gumbah

Pronunciation

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

Noun

goombah (plural goombahs)

1. (US, slang, derogatory, ethnic slur) A person of Italian descent (often implies the person is connected to Italian organized crime)

   Synonyms: dago, Eyetie, greaseball, guido, guinea, wog, wop

2. (US, slang) A companion, pal, close friend, or associate, 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)

1. Alternative form of gumbe, a Jamaican drum.