Boobery

/ˈbuːbəri/ noun

Definition

A nesting colony or gathering place of boobies (a type of seabird), or behavior characteristic of foolish or silly people.

Etymology

From 'booby' (meaning both a seabird and a foolish person) plus '-ery.' The seabird sense comes from Spanish 'bobo' (foolish), because boobies are notably clumsy and unafraid, making them seem silly to observers.

Kelly Says

Boobies got their unfortunate name because they were so fearless and clumsy that sailors thought they were stupid—but actually they thrived because nothing hunted them on remote islands!

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