Gob Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gob

[ษกษ’b ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

informal usage

To gob means to eat something greedily or quickly. It often carries a connotation of sloppiness or lack of manners.

Synonyms

devour, gorge, wolf down.

Examples of usage

  • He gobs down his food during dinner.
  • After the game, we gobbled the pizza in minutes.
  • The children were gobs of ice cream after the party.
Context #2 | Noun

colloquial expression

A gob can refer to a large lump or chunk, especially of something wet or sticky. It can also mean a small amount of something, often used in informal contexts.

Synonyms

blob, lump, mass.

Examples of usage

  • He spat a gob of saliva on the floor.
  • She added a gob of cream to her coffee.
  • There was a gob of mud on his shoe.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • 'Gob' has appeared in various movies and TV shows, often used humorously to describe someone who takes big bites or speaks loudly.
  • In 'Arrested Development', Gob Bluth is a character known for his extravagant personality and antics, embodying the playful essence of the word.

Science

  • In the context of physics, the term can informally describe a large quantity of liquid or gas, indicating a mass rather than volume.
  • In environmental science, 'gob' can refer to a large mass of material, especially in the context of mining waste.

Literature

  • In children's books, 'gob' frequently appears in fun stories, emphasizing characters who are messily enjoying their favorite treats.
  • Scrapbooks and poetry sometimes feature the term metaphorically to convey indulgence, whether in emotions or experiences.

Psychology

  • The use of 'gob' in everyday language may relate to phenomena known as 'mouthful' dynamics, where larger bites might lead to quicker consumption and less savoring.
  • In discussions of language acquisition, children's playful use of words like 'gob' reflects their early grasp of language and sound.

Origin of 'gob'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'gob' comes from the Irish Gaelic word 'gob', which means 'beak' or 'mouth', hinting at its use for something big or bulky.
  • In the 19th century, 'gob' was slang in England and Ireland, often used in reference to chewing or eating.
  • The word has also evolved in U.S. Navy slang to refer to a sailor, derived from the idea of gobbling food.

The word 'gob' has an interesting etymology. It is believed to be derived from the Irish word 'gob,' which means 'beak' or 'mouth.' In the 16th century, the term began to appear in English with similar meanings pertaining to the mouth. As it evolved, it took on additional meanings, especially in colloquial speech, where it signified eating quickly or greedily. The informal use of 'gob' to denote a lump or piece likely stems from its association with something being shoved into the mouth, thus creating a vivid imagery of consumption. Over the years, 'gob' has maintained its informal charm, often used in casual contexts or as part of regional dialects, particularly in British English.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,901, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.