goo

UK: ɡuː | US: ɡuː

Definition

  1. n. a sticky or viscous substance

  2. n. (informal) excessive sentimentality

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "goo" first appeared in early 20th-century American English, likely imitative of the sound or feel of a sticky substance. Its informal use to describe sentimentality ("sweet talk") emerged later, playing on the cloying nature of both literal and figurative "goo." No clear morphemes are identifiable; it is a compact, expressive term.

Examples

  1. The child’s hands were covered in sticky goo after eating the candy.

  2. The machine malfunctioned, leaking oily goo onto the floor.

  3. Romantic comedies often drown in sentimental goo.

  4. She rolled her eyes at the goo in his love letter.

  5. Scientists studied the chemical properties of the mysterious goo.