DictionaryReactions and insults

Goober

Definition

A silly, awkward, harmless, or endearingly foolish person.

Example
He waved at the wrong car and laughed at himself like a total goober.
How it is used

Goober is often affectionate and suggests lovable awkwardness more than serious stupidity.

Origin and context

Goober originally referred to a peanut in Southern American English and later developed into a playful insult or nickname.

Common variations

goob

A shortened affectionate form.

goofy goober

A playful phrase popularized by SpongeBob SquarePants.

little goober

An affectionate label for someone silly.

Frequently asked questions
Is goober offensive?

Usually not. It is generally mild, playful, and sometimes affectionate.

Why does goober mean peanut?

The word entered American English from a term of African origin used for peanuts, then later gained its slang sense.

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A foolish, incompetent, annoying, or laughable person.

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