B2 verb Informal

booby

/ˈbuːbi/

To set a concealed trap or trick intended to surprise, catch, or harm someone unawares; it is often used as a shorthand for 'booby-trap' or, in specific informal contexts, to describe making a foolish mistake.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The children decided to booby the hallway with tripwires made of yarn for their babysitter.

The children decided to booby the hallway with tripwires made of yarn for their babysitter.

2

During the inspection, the engineer noted several attempts to booby the electrical panel to prevent unauthorized access.

During the inspection, the engineer noted several attempts to booby the electrical panel to prevent unauthorized access.

3

I totally boobied the presentation by forgetting to bring the flash drive.

I totally boobied the presentation by forgetting to bring the flash drive.

Word Family

Noun
booby
Verb
booby
Adverb
boobishly
Adjective
boobish
Related
booby-trap
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the Booby bird, which was named by sailors because it was so 'stupid' it would land right on ships and walk into traps.

Quick Quiz

The pranksters decided to ____ the office chair so it would collapse when someone sat down.

Correct!

The correct answer is: booby

Examples

1

The children decided to booby the hallway with tripwires made of yarn for their babysitter.

everyday

The children decided to booby the hallway with tripwires made of yarn for their babysitter.

2

During the inspection, the engineer noted several attempts to booby the electrical panel to prevent unauthorized access.

formal

During the inspection, the engineer noted several attempts to booby the electrical panel to prevent unauthorized access.

3

I totally boobied the presentation by forgetting to bring the flash drive.

informal

I totally boobied the presentation by forgetting to bring the flash drive.

4

Historical records indicate that retreating forces would frequently booby abandoned supplies to hinder the enemy's progress.

academic

Historical records indicate that retreating forces would frequently booby abandoned supplies to hinder the enemy's progress.

5

The acquisition was risky because the target company had boobied the contract with expensive exit clauses.

business

The acquisition was risky because the target company had boobied the contract with expensive exit clauses.

Word Family

Noun
booby
Verb
booby
Adverb
boobishly
Adjective
boobish
Related
booby-trap

Common Collocations

booby a door to rig a door with a trap
booby a prize to set a trick prize
booby the perimeter to set traps around an area
booby an engine to sabotage an engine
boobied with clauses containing hidden legal traps

Common Phrases

booby-trap

a device or setup intended to surprise or catch someone

booby prize

a joke prize given to the person who finishes last

to boob it

to make a silly mistake (related informal verb)

Often Confused With

booby vs boob

'Boob' is the standard verb for making a mistake, whereas 'booby' specifically implies rigging a trap.

booby vs buoy

'Buoy' means to keep something afloat or encourage someone, sounding similar but having the opposite intent.

📝

Usage Notes

The verb 'booby' is almost always used in the sense of 'booby-trapping' something. In British English, 'to boob' is more common for making mistakes, though 'boobied' is occasionally heard.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use this word in formal academic writing where 'to trap' or 'to sabotage' would be more professional.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the Booby bird, which was named by sailors because it was so 'stupid' it would land right on ships and walk into traps.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Spanish 'bobo', meaning a fool or an idiot.

Grammar Patterns

Transitive verb (requires an object) Regular conjugation: boobies, boobied, boobying
🌍

Cultural Context

Deeply rooted in mid-20th century military history and slapstick comedy tropes like 'Home Alone'.

Quick Quiz

The pranksters decided to ____ the office chair so it would collapse when someone sat down.

Correct!

The correct answer is: booby

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unitangine

C1

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enjectment

C1

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invertite

C1

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C1

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