In North London, many supporters of the football team identify as ‘The Gooners,’ a playful variation of the team’s nickname. This term has its origins in a reclaimed insult that rival fans used to use. However, fans who use this nickname in the United States should be cautious, as the term ‘Gooners’ carries a lewd meaning there. According to the Urban Dictionary, a ‘Gooner’ in the US is defined as someone who is deeply addicted to and embraces pornography.
This discovery came as a shock to American social media users who were familiar with the term used by Arsenal fans. Some expressed amusement at the difference in meaning, and others were slightly taken aback. The contrast in the connotations of ‘Gooners’ between the United Kingdom and the United States has sparked reactions from both sides of the Atlantic. It has led to some humorous and surprised comments from people in the US, as well as shell-shocked reactions from Arsenal supporters in North London.
