goo-goo

English

Etymology 1

Possibly from the Tagalog gugus, "tutelary spirit." Adapted as an ethnic slur by American troops during the Filipino-American War.

Alternative forms

Noun

goo-goo (plural goo-goos)

  1. (derogatory) A Philippine person.

Etymology 2

From good government.

Alternative forms
  • Goo-Goo

Noun

goo-goo (plural goo-goos)

  1. (US, politics, derogatory) A government reformer.
    • 1912, December 4, Voters, Aroused, Rout Goo-Goo Gangsters‎:
      Stinging Rebuke Administered to Bald Attempt to Grab City; Goo-Goo Clique Swept Off Their Feet by Landslide Against Municipal Freak
    • 1993, December 7, “Mike Royko”, in Pass the pablums, it's goo-goo time‎, page 13:
      Some goo-goos are so relentless in their pursuit of goo-gooism that they become a public menace.
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