gobshite

[ gob-shahyt ]

noun

, Chiefly Irish Slang: Vulgar.

1. a mean and contemptible person, especially a braggart.
2. a stupid and incompetent person.

gobshite

/ ˈɡɒbˌʃaɪt /

noun

1. slang.
   a stupid person

Usage

This word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in previous editions of Collins English Dictionary . However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although some older or more conservative people may object to its use

Word History and Origins

Origin of gobshite¹

C20: from gob ³ + shite excrement; see shit

More About Gobshite

What is a gobshite?

Gobshite is a vulgar slang term for a mean, despicable person, especially someone who brags a lot.

Gobshite can also mean a stupid or incompetent person.

Gobshite is chiefly Irish slang, but it is used by people throughout the British Isles. Because it’s a vulgar term, it’s much more likely to be used in informal writing or speech.

Where does gobshite come from?

The first records of the term gobshite come from around 1946. It combines the word gob, a British slang word for “mouth,” and the word shite, a British variation of the word shit, a vulgar word meaning “feces” or “excrement.” A gobshite is figuratively making excrement come out of their mouth by making worthless boasts.

Today, gobshite is not considered to be as unacceptable as it once was. However, you are likely to see it used alongside a variety of other crass or vulgar language.

Gobshite is rarely used by Americans. In fact, it became a minor news story in Ireland when The New York Times used it for the first time ever in June 2020 while quoting Irish novelist Roddy Doyle.

Did you know … ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with gobshite?

• gob
• gobsmacked
• gob-stopper

What are some words that often get used in discussing gobshite?

• vulgar
• rude
• unkind

Try using gobshite!

Which of the following words is a synonym of gobshite?

A. friend
B. braggart
C. sister
D. thief