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
Noun
goombah (plural goombahs)
Translations
person of Italian descent — see wop
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