booby
word
/ˈbubi/
BOO-bee
/bˈuːbi/
BOO-bee
Definition
A large tropical seabird known for its clumsy behavior on land. Also an informal word for a foolish person.
Usage & Nuances
"Booby trap" is the most common compound — a hidden device designed to catch someone off guard. "Booby prize" goes to the worst performer in a competition. The bird name comes from Spanish "bobo" (stupid), because the birds were easy to catch.
Spanish: bobo - piqueroPortuguese (BR): bobo - atobáPortuguese (PT): bobo - atobáChinese (Simplified): 鲣鸟 - 笨蛋Chinese (Traditional): 鰹鳥 - 笨蛋Hindi: बूबी पक्षी - मूर्खArabic: طائر الأطيش - أحمقBengali: বুবি (পাখি) - বোকা লোকRussian: олуша (птица) - простакJapanese: カツオドリ（鳥） - まぬけな人Vietnamese: chim booby - người ngốc nghếchKorean: 부비새 (새) - 바보Turkish: booby kuşu - enayiUrdu: بووبی (پرندہ) - بے وقوف آدمیIndonesian: burung booby - orang bodoh
Example Sentences
We saw a blue-footed booby on the Galápagos Islands.
basic
Be careful — there might be a booby trap inside.
basic
The last-place finisher received the booby prize.
basic
The children booby-trapped the hallway with string and water balloons.
natural
The blue-footed booby performs an elaborate dance to attract a mate.
natural
Soldiers learned to spot booby traps left behind by retreating forces.
natural