booby

Everyday

1. A large tropical seabird with bright blue or red feet that dives into the sea to catch fish. tree →
2. (old-fashioned) A silly or stupid person. tree →
3. (rude, slang) a rude word for a part of the body; not for school. tree →
4. A booby trap: a hidden trap, often a hidden bomb, set off when someone touches something harmless-looking. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature it is a seabird, like the blue-footed booby of the Galapagos. In stories and history "booby trap" means a hidden trap. The slang breast sense is rude and children may hear it as a giggle word. Phrases: "blue-footed booby", "booby trap", "booby prize" (a joke prize for coming last).

Examples

• The blue-footed booby dances to show off its feet. tree →
• Boobies dive from high up to catch fish. tree →
• Don't open the box, it might be a booby trap! tree →
• The soldiers checked the road for booby traps. tree →
• I came last and won the booby prize, a wooden spoon. tree →
• (rude) The older boys giggled and said "boobies". tree →

Note

Plural: boobies. The breast meaning is rude slang; do not use it at school. "Booby prize" is a joke prize for the worst result. The bird's name may come from a Spanish word for "fool", because it was easy to catch.