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.
There’s no way he doesn’t know. This is what a modern last-ditch effort to save your job looks like.
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”.
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:
Possibly rhyming slang from wanker?
Bring back British Swearing!