goober
ˈɡuːbər
noun
Origin
Kimbundu
nguba — peanut
Overview
Meaning Now
- A peanut.
- A foolish or silly person.
Language path
Kimbundu → American English
Earliest form
guber
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The term entered English through enslaved Africans in the American South, derived from the Kimbundu word 'nguba'. During the American Civil War, 'goober' became widely known among soldiers, appearing in the popular song 'Goober Peas'.
Evolution
- 17th-18th century
nguba
“peanut”
Original term in Kimbundu language of Angola.
- 1830s
guber
“peanut”
First recorded in the Southern United States.
- 20th century
goober
“peanut / foolish person”
Standardized spelling; metaphorical shift to 'silly person'.
Connections
Word parts
goober
root
peanut
Related across languages
Kimbundu
nguba
peanut
Explore next
Related to goober
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.