baboonery
|ba-boon-er-y|
/bəˈbuːnəri/
boisterous, baboon-like behaviour
Etymology
'baboonery' originates from English, specifically the word 'baboon' + the suffix '-ery', where '-ery' meant 'place, practice, or collection'.
'baboonery' developed from the noun 'baboon' (borrowed into English from Middle French 'babouin' / Portuguese 'babuíno') combined with the Old French/Latin-derived suffix '-ery' (from Old French '-erie'), and the combination eventually produced the modern English 'baboonery'.
Initially, it referred directly to 'the state or behaviour of baboons', but over time it has also been used figuratively to mean 'boisterous or foolish behaviour'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the behaviour or actions characteristic of baboons (literal): the movements, displays, or social conduct of baboons.
The zookeeper wrote notes about the baboonery he observed in the troop that morning.
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Noun 2
boisterous, noisy, or foolish behaviour (figurative): rowdy or absurd conduct likened to that of baboons.
The meeting descended into baboonery when several people began shouting over each other.
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Last updated: 2025/12/24 00:34