gombeen
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A mean, underhanded, corrupt person. Usually applied to politicians.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
"Could you give me two ounces of butter?"
"Well, I don't know. We sell butter usually by the weight half pound or a pound."
"Do you sell quarter pounds?"
"Well, I think so."
"Could you give me half a quarter pound?"
"Yes."
"Half a quarter pound then."
Sebastian watching him. O you sly gombeen man. T
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “gombeen” mean?
A mean, underhanded, corrupt person. Usually applied to politicians.
Is “gombeen” formal or informal?
gombeen is generally slang.