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Origin and history of galoot

galoot(n.)

by 1808, nautical, "raw recruit, green hand," hence "clumsy, slovenly fellow," apparently originally a sailor's contemptuous word for soldiers or marines, of unknown origin.

"Dictionary of American Slang" proposes galut, Sierra Leone creole form of Spanish galeoto "galley slave." Also compare galleot, which is a common 18c. variant of galiot, galliot or else from Spanish galeóta, literally "little galley," a slight craft that can be sailed or rowed. "All the seamen on board a galleot are soldiers, and each has a musket by him" [Encyclopædia Perthensis, 1796], which might explain the use in reference to non-sailors.

In general (non-nautical) use by 1866, "awkward or boorish man," but often a term of humorous contempt.

also from 1808

Entries linking to galoot

galliot(n.)

"small galley," mid-14c., from Old French galiote, galiot "small ship," diminutive of galie (see galley).

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