bobo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (except in specific regional/demographic contexts)Informal, colloquial, often humorous or dismissive.
Quick answer
What does “bobo” mean?
A foolish or naive person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A foolish or naive person; simpleton; one easily deceived or lacking common sense.
Can refer to a minor injury or bump (especially in child's language); in Philippine English, a slang term for money; in French contexts, refers to the 'bourgeois bohemian' social class.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'fool' meaning is understood in both, but is somewhat dated/less common in contemporary AmE. The child's language meaning ('hurt', 'owie') is more consistently used in AmE. The French-derived 'bourgeois-bohemian' is recognized in UK intellectual/media circles.
Connotations
UK: Often implies a simple, gullible, or old-fashioned foolishness. AmE: Can carry a stronger sense of stupidity or cluelessness.
Frequency
Generally low frequency in both. Higher likelihood of use in AmE as child-directed speech ('You have a bobo?').
Grammar
How to Use “bobo” in a Sentence
[Subject] be a bobo[Subject] call [Object] a boboDon't be such a boboVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bobo” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He's a bit of a bobo for believing that get-rich-quick scheme.
- The character in the play is the classic village bobo.
American English
- Don't be a bobo and click on that suspicious link.
- She kissed his bobo to make the scrape feel better.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially humorous criticism of a poor decision ('That marketing plan was a bit bobo').
Academic
Virtually never used in formal writing. May appear in sociolinguistics discussing child-directed speech or in cultural studies discussing the 'bobo' class.
Everyday
Informal teasing among friends/family. Common in caregiver-to-child speech for minor injury.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bobo”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'bobbo' or 'bowbow'.
- Overusing - it's a niche/dated term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is mildly insulting but generally less harsh than 'idiot' or 'moron'. Its childish connotations soften it. Context is key.
No, it is exclusively a noun in standard English usage.
Likely a reduplication of 'bo', a childish or archaic expression of contempt or an imitation of baby-talk. The French socio-cultural term is a portmanteau of 'bourgeois' and 'bohémien'.
Typically no. It is almost exclusively child-directed speech or used humorously/affectionately with adults in a very familiar context.
A foolish or naive person.
Bobo is usually informal, colloquial, often humorous or dismissive. in register.
Bobo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊ.bəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊ.boʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bobo and his money are soon parted. (variation on proverb)”
- “One born every minute, and a bobo to take them. (humorous)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BOBO sounds like 'bow-bow', like a dog - think of someone with the intelligence of a silly, gullible puppy.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A CONTAINER (empty); IGNORANCE IS CHILDLIKE SIMPLICITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bobo' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?