Goombah vs Eyetie - What's the difference?
goombah | eyetie | Synonyms |
(US, slang, pejorative, ethnic slur) A person of Italian descent.
(US, slang) 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.
(British, slang, dated, derogatory, ethnic slur) An Italian.
* 1944 , Lawson Glassop, We were the rats
* 1944 , Richard Baxter, Stand by to surface
* 1986 , Aidan Chambers, Dance on My Grave
Eyetie is a synonym of goombah.
As nouns the difference between goombah and eyetie
is that goombah is a person of Italian descent while Eyetie is an Italian.goombah
English
Etymology 1
Probably originates from the (etyl) , ((etyl) compare and the (etyl) cognate, cumpari, akin to Spanish compadre), and literally means "godfather," but used to denote "friend." 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 the Southern Italian dialect (especially Neapolitan) are interpreted as voiced stops, yielding "goombah."Noun
(en noun)Synonyms
* (person of Italian descent) dago * (person of Italian descent) Eyetie * (person of Italian descent) greaseball * (person of Italian descent) guido * (person of Italian descent) guinea * (person of Italian descent) wog * (person of Italian descent) wopEtymology 2
see gumbeeyetie
English
Alternative forms
*eye-tieNoun
(en noun)- The only danger of gas from the Eyeties was when they breathed garlic on you.
- We got out to sea again, but it was not long before the Eyeties were on our track again.
- D'you think they're Eyeties ? Supposed to be great lovers...