Gombeen
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɡɒmˈbiːn/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Gombeen is a noun meaning (Ireland, slang) A mean, underhanded, corrupt person. Usually applied to politicians.
Meaning
(Ireland, slang) A mean, underhanded, corrupt person. Usually applied to politicians.
More Meanings
- (Ireland) Corrupt, underhanded.
- (archaic) Usury.
- (historical, Ireland) A moneylender during the Great Famine.
Example Sentences
They were talking gombeen politics.
It was said by some that he had been a moneylender back in Ireland; a ‘gombeen’ in their slang: a hated figure.
"Could you give me two ounces of butter?" "Well, I don't know. We sell butter usually by the weight half pound or a pound." "Do you sell quarter pounds?" "Well, I think so." "Could you give me half a quarter pound?" "Yes." "Half a quarter pound then." Sebastian watching him. O you sly gombeen man. The backs of these stores, most sordid places in the world. You stupid, intolerable oaf.
Word Forms
- gombeens
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include gombeenman, gombeenism, gouge, gaud, goom, gelt.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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