geronimo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “geronimo” mean?
A traditional exclamation or shout used when jumping from a great height or engaging in a daring act, expressing a sense of excitement, bravery, or defiance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional exclamation or shout used when jumping from a great height or engaging in a daring act, expressing a sense of excitement, bravery, or defiance.
Used more broadly to signal enthusiasm or readiness before undertaking any bold or risky action. It also refers to the Apache leader Geronimo (1829-1909) as a historical figure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The cultural reference is more deeply embedded in American history and military lore, thus more likely to be recognized in the US.
Connotations
UK: Primarily known through American media. US: Stronger cultural association with paratroopers, Western history, and as a general exclamation of daring.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the historical figure's prominence in US history.
Grammar
How to Use “geronimo” in a Sentence
[Subject] + shout + 'Geronimo!'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “geronimo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He geronimoed off the high board at the leisure centre.
- They were all geronimoing into the lake.
American English
- He geronimoed off the high dive at the community pool.
- The kids were geronimoing into the quarry.
adverb
British English
- This is not standard usage.
American English
- This is not standard usage.
adjective
British English
- This is not standard usage.
American English
- This is not standard usage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially in a very informal team-building context to rally for a bold business move.
Academic
Only used in historical or cultural studies discussing the Apache leader or 20th-century US military slang.
Everyday
Used playfully, especially by children or in recreational activities like jumping into a pool or off a diving board.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “geronimo”
- Using it as a noun to describe the jump itself (e.g., 'I did a geronimo off the rock').
- Using it in formal writing without quotation marks or context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was popularised by American paratroopers in World War II. The exact origin is debated, but it's famously linked to a 1939 film where soldiers yelled the name of the Apache leader Geronimo when jumping from planes.
Some Native American groups and individuals consider the casual, stereotypical use of the historical figure's name as an exclamation to be disrespectful, as it divorces the name from the person's complex history and legacy.
Yes, informally. For example, 'He geronimoed off the diving board.' This is a playful, non-standard derivation from the interjection.
As an exclamation, it has low frequency. It is mostly used for deliberate, playful effect, often mimicking movie scenes. Knowledge of it is widespread due to its presence in popular culture.
A traditional exclamation or shout used when jumping from a great height or engaging in a daring act, expressing a sense of excitement, bravery, or defiance.
Geronimo is usually informal, slang in register.
Geronimo: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɛrəˈniːməʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒəˈrɑːnəˌmoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cry Geronimo (before a daring act)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a paratrooper jumping from a plane, shouting 'GERonimo!' as he goes (GO) into the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CRY OF DARING IS A WAR CRY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the exclamation 'Geronimo!' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?