Booby: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆ
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booby

 

[ หˆbuหbi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal slang

The term 'booby' is often used as a slang term for a fool or someone who lacks common sense. This usage can be somewhat derogatory and is typically lighthearted. In a different context, 'booby' also refers to several species of seabirds known for their webbed feet and distinctive diving behaviors. These birds are generally found in tropical or subtropical regions. The term can also refer to the breast, especially in a playful or crude manner.

Synonyms

bird, fool, simpleton

Examples of usage

  • Donโ€™t be such a booby about it.
  • The booby dove into the water to catch a fish.
  • He made a booby of himself at the party.
  • She laughed at his booby behavior.
  • The booby was spotted on the rocky shore.
Context #2 | Noun

bird species

In ornithology, 'booby' refers to a group of seabirds belonging to the genus Sula. These birds are known for their distinctive feet, which are adapted for diving and swimming. They are typically characterized by their bright plumage, large wings, and elongated bodies. Boobies are excellent divers and are often seen plunging into the ocean to catch fish. There are different species of boobies, including the blue-footed booby, which is famous for its striking blue feet.

Synonyms

seabird, sula

Examples of usage

  • The blue-footed booby is a popular attraction in the Galรกpagos.
  • Researchers studied the mating habits of the red-footed booby.
  • An impressive sight is the booby diving for fish.

Translations

Translations of the word "booby" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น maminha

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‚เคฌเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Brust

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ payudara

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั€ัƒะดะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ piersi

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ƒธ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท seins

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ senos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรถฤŸรผs

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์Šด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุซุฏูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prsa

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prsnรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ƒธ้ƒจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prsi

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ brjรณst

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัาฏั‚ ะฑะตะทั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒ•แƒ˜แƒ•แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรถลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ senos

Etymology

The word 'booby' has a fascinating etymology that traces back to the early 17th century. Derived from the Spanish word 'bobo', which means 'fool', 'booby' originally referred to a simpleton and was often used in a lighthearted or humorous context. The Spanish term 'bobo' itself is believed to have been influenced by the Latin word 'balbus', which means 'stuttering' or 'dull'. The word began to shift in meaning when it was applied to the seabirds. These birds were named 'boobies' due to their perceived clumsiness and behavior that seemed foolish compared to other birds. The negative connotation of the term as a descriptor for a foolish person likely played a role in its transfer to the context of both people and birds. Over time, 'booby' has maintained both usages in English, reflecting its dual meanings in contemporary language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,226, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.