goombah

listen to the pronunciation of goombah
English - English
Alternative form of gumbe, a Jamaican drum
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
A person of Italian descent
A companion or associate, especially an older friend who acts as a patron, protector, or adviser
{i} (Slang) close friend; companion; partner, associate
goombah

    Pronunciation

    Etymology

    () Probably originates from the Neapolitan cumpà, (Italian compare and the Sicilian cognate, cumpari, akin to Spanish compadre), and literally means "godfather," but used to denote "friend." To an English-speaking ear, the unaspirated stops of Southern Italian (especially Neapolitan) are interpreted as voiced stops, yielding "goombah."
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