Dictionary

lightbulb en · NOUN · etymology 1

Meanings

1. (alt-of, alternative) Alternative spelling of light bulb.
   alt of light bulb
   • A young orangutan in the San Diego Zoo became famous for unbolting the screening of his crib, removing the wires, and moving through the zoo nursery, unscrewing lightbulbs. 2003 June 7, Edward Tenner, “'Our Own Devices'”, in The New York Times:

Forms

Deriveds

lightbulb joke

lightbulb en · NOUN · etymology 2

Pronunciation

• /ˈlaɪtˌbʌlb/ (UK, US)
• (US) audio

Etymology

Calque from Cantonese 電燈泡／电灯泡 (din6 dang1 paau1), as though the third person is a light bulb in the background.

Meanings

1. (Singapore, colloquial) An uninvited third person joining a couple's date who prevents or hinders romantic interactions.
   • Being an extra big light bulb and eating with two cousins and their husband and fiance. 2014, carolcraves, "https://twitter.com/carolcraves/status/429233427863183360", Twitter, 31 January 2014
   • When she finally came out her friend joined us. Damn lightbulb leh! 2014 August 3, Chris Soh, 20 Words That Mean Something Completely Different to Singaporeans:
   • You two go ahead lah, I don't want to be lightbulb. 2011 October 23, Heidy The Traveler, Learn Singlish a Bit!:

Forms

Synonyms

gooseberry · third wheel