A recent clip featuring UK Labour leader Keir Starmer declaring himself a “gooner” has gone viral, prompting widespread discussion about the term’s meaning in contemporary slang.
The phrase, which Starmer reportedly used during a speech, is distinct from its common usage. While some interpret it as a misspelling of “goner” (meaning someone who has failed), GenZ culture has redefined the term with a different connotation.
According to Google’s definition, the word can also refer to an ardent fan of Arsenal Football Club.
The viral clip has drawn comparisons to a previous incident involving Donald Trump and a major news outlet. In that case, the former president repeatedly prompted the network to use the term “shithole,” after which Philip Mudd declared himself a “proud shitholer” on the platform.
