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goombah

[goom-bah]

noun

Slang.
  1. a companion or associate, especially an older person who mentors or advises; a godfather.

  2. a member of a criminal organization.



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Word History and Origins

Origin of goombah1

First recorded in 1965–70; perhaps from Neapolitan dialect cumbà, cumpà, gumbà “friend,” the form used in direct address of the noun cumbàr, cumpàr, gumbàr “respected older man,” formerly “godfather,” from Italian compàre “godfather, friend, accomplice,” from Medieval Latin compater “godfather”
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But while a turncoat’s testimony is standard second-act fare in goombah dramas, the congressional reaction offered a fresh twist.

If someone flatters you you give them your goombah business.

For the dead seriousness of the subject matter, “Green Book” is an often uproarious comedy, with Mortensen leaning into his persona as an unreconstructed goombah with obvious relish.

You'll note that he's not feeling fond toward Cohen, his former goombah, whom Trump clearly sees as having stabbed him the back.

From Salon

“When I was called a human pinkie ring and a goombah while in the @Whitehouse that was deemed acceptable comedy,” tweeted Anthony Scaramucci, who was the president’s communications director for 10 days.

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When To Use

What does goombah mean?

Among Italian-Americans, a goombah is a slang term for a “close friend.” When directed at Italian-Americans, a goombah can be an ethnic slur or a gangster stereotype.A goombah also refers to a mushroom-shaped enemy in the Super Mario franchise.

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