gook

¹

[ gook, gook ]

noun

, Informal.

1. guck.
2. makeup, especially when thickly applied:

   She looks ridiculous with all that gook around her eyes.

gook

²

[ gook ]

noun

, Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a native of Southeast Asia or the South Pacific, especially a member of an enemy military force.
2. a contemptuous term used to refer to any dark-skinned foreigner, especially a non-European or non-American.
3. anyone who is offensive to others because of stupidity, coarseness, etc.

gook

/ ɡʊk; ɡuːk /

noun

1. slang.
   a derogatory word for a person from a Far Eastern country
2. informal.
   a messy sticky substance; muck

Sensitive Note

The earliest recorded uses of this term were by U.S. Marines when referring to Haitians and Filipinos. It continued to be common slang in the American military, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gook¹

Expressive word, perhaps blend of goo and muck; guck

Origin of gook²

First recorded in 1915–20; of uncertain origin; compare earlier googoo, gugu, a contemptuous term for a Filipino, and perhaps comparable relationship of kook to cuckoo

Word History and Origins

Origin of gook¹

C20: of uncertain origin

Related Words

• dirt
• goo
• gunk
• manure
• mud
• slime
• sludge
• trash