gomers

Noun (1)

gomer (plural gomers)

1. A conical chamber at the breech of the bore in heavy ordnance, especially in mortars.
   • [Table] of dimensions of howitzers, stone and Gomer mortars, vol. 1. p. 250.1809, Louis de Tousard, American Artillerist's Companion, page 659

Noun (2)

gomer (plural gomers)

1. (derogatory, slang) A stupid, awkward, or oafish person.
   • “Lordy Jeezus,” he said out loud. When did he become such a gomer?2005, Ralph Hardy, Lefty, iUniverse, published 2004, →ISBN, page 25

   Synonyms:

   idiot

2. (US, derogatory, slang) An inept trainee or serviceperson.
   • These recruits were given such sobriquets as moron, idiot, or Gomer (after the television marine Gomer Pyle). There were constant comparisons between wayward recruits and animals or vegetables.1993, James Ebert, A Life in a Year: The American Infantryman in Vietnam, 1965-1972, page 34
3. (US, slang) An opponent in combat or in training.
   • We were almost invisible in our tiger stripes and ghillie suits. However, as the unit marched by, a lone gomer broke rank and ventured into the high, wet saw grass that concealed our position.2010, Brian Easton, Autobiography of a Werewolf Hunter, page 22
4. (husbandry) A male animal (cattle, swine, horse mainly) used to arouse a female or detect, through her induced behavior, her hormonal availability for reproduction. Also called a teaser, a gomer may or may not be neutered, unless this element draws the line between those two synonyms. This particular meaning could also be the originator of the Gomer Pyle entry and not be a derivative.

Noun (3)

gomer (plural gomers)

1. (derogatory, medical slang) An undesirable hospital patient, or a patient who does not need medical care.
   • That patient is a total GOMER. Turf him and let's get some lunch.

See all 10 meanings of gomer