gooney

or goon·y

[ goo-nee ]

adjective

, goon·i·er, goon·i·est.

1. Slang. stupid, foolish, or awkward:

   a gooney smile on his face.

2. Informal. thuggish; brutal.

noun

, plural goon·ies or goon·eys.

1. Slang. goon ( def 2a ).
2. gooney bird.

Other Words From

• gooni·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gooney¹

goon + -ey ¹

Example Sentences

“Looking for some new moves? Take notes on this gooney couple’s courtship dance,” the Wildlife Service’s Pacific Islands branch posted on Facebook alongside the video.

From Fox News

A Laysan albatross, also known as a gooney bird, incubates its eggs on Midway Island in the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in December 2005.

From US News

I wouldn’t have really hurt the gooney,” growled Hebe.

From Project Gutenberg

Cup of tea, 7 A.M. and breakfast as usual at 10; turtle and gooney; Heavy sea on reef, and ship fast disappearing, boats out picking up driftwood.

From Project Gutenberg

The boy, first to find his voice, muttered: "Of all the gooneys that ever got away from the backwoods, we take the bun!"

From Project Gutenberg