ENGLISH
REFERENCE

googly

n.
UK //ɡˈuːɡli// goo·gly
Etymology 1

Unknown; perhaps derived from googie (“an egg, in reference to the unusual direction of bounce”). Though the delivery was perfected and made famous by English cricketer Bernard Bosanquet, circa 1900, the term is recorded earlier in Australian English (1896).

Etymology 2

Uncertain. Perhaps from goo-goo (“amorous”), or directly from goggle. Attested from 1901.

Idioms1 entry

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