booby
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 5The 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.
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.
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
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
The children decided to booby the hallway with tripwires made of yarn for their babysitter.
everydayThe children decided to booby the hallway with tripwires made of yarn for their babysitter.
During the inspection, the engineer noted several attempts to booby the electrical panel to prevent unauthorized access.
formalDuring the inspection, the engineer noted several attempts to booby the electrical panel to prevent unauthorized access.
I totally boobied the presentation by forgetting to bring the flash drive.
informalI totally boobied the presentation by forgetting to bring the flash drive.
Historical records indicate that retreating forces would frequently booby abandoned supplies to hinder the enemy's progress.
academicHistorical records indicate that retreating forces would frequently booby abandoned supplies to hinder the enemy's progress.
The acquisition was risky because the target company had boobied the contract with expensive exit clauses.
businessThe acquisition was risky because the target company had boobied the contract with expensive exit clauses.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
'Boob' is the standard verb for making a mistake, whereas 'booby' specifically implies rigging a trap.
'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
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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