Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch called Labor MPs a "sea of orcs and goons" back in March. In British English, “gooner” is a variation of “Gunner” and refers to a supporter of Arsenal F.C.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called himself a “gooner” during a speech to parliament Wednesday, seemingly unaware of the derogatory meaning in the U.S.

The slang term has two meanings in the U.K. and U.S., respectively. When a Brit calls themselves “gooners,” they are emphasizing their support for the Arsenal Football Club. However, Americans refer to “gooners” as impulsive pornography addicts who are known to be chronic masturbators. Starmer’s innocent intention to connect with sports fans across his native country prompted comical reactions from users on X.

“Mr. speaker, I am a gooner,” the British premier told his colleagues.

  • mannycalavera@feddit.ukEnglish
    242·
    6 days ago

    British man uses British slang. America gets upset. More news at ten, back to you Jeff.

  • adam_y@lemmy.worldEnglish
    21·
    6 days ago

    First thing, that sland term is used here in the UK. It’s an internet thing, not a US thing.

    Weird as fuck to suggest that.

    Second thing, we’ve been calling him a wanker for quite a while now.

  • Brem@lemmy.worldEnglish
    181·
    6 days ago

    I know SNL UK is brand new & all, but at least make them work for the opening sketch.

  • ruuster13@lemmy.zipEnglish
    52·
    6 days ago

    There’s no way he doesn’t know. This is what a modern last-ditch effort to save your job looks like.

    • fakeman_pretendname@feddit.ukEnglish
      111·
      6 days ago

      I’ve only seen it written with that meaning on this website. I don’t think many adults I know in real life would recognise it as meaning “wanker”.

      • fakeman_pretendname@feddit.ukEnglish
        6·
        6 days ago

        Also, it’s not like we’re short on other words for wanker, many of which have fallen out of use (or were only local or regional to start with).

        Defend yourself from American Cultural Imperialism today - Call someone one of the following:

        Ones relating to movement:

        • Wanker
        • Tosser
        • Stroker
        • Jostler (especially funny if you know anyone called “Jocelyn”)
        • Churner
        • Shifter
        • Polisher (or Bell-Polisher)
        • Other ones which you know that I don’t

        Possibly rhyming slang from wanker?

        • Nob-chief / bell-chief / chief (maybe from “chieftain tank-er”?)
        • Shermanist (almost certainly from Sherman tank-er)
        • Oiler (possibly from rhyming slang Oil Tanker)
        • Other ones which you know that I don’t

        Bring back British Swearing!

  • Drusas@fedia.io
    810·
    6 days ago

    Americans refer to “gooners” as impulsive pornography addicts who are known to be chronic masturbators.

    No, we don’t.