Goblin

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Goblin

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

GOB-lin  /ˈɡɒblɪn/

Definition

A mischievous, ugly, and typically small creature of folklore, usually depicted as malevolent, greedy, or troublesome.

Plain meaning

A goblin is a small, ugly, and mischievous creature from folklore and fantasy — usually greedy, cunning, and up to no good.

Register

Primarily literary, fantasy, and informal. In modern usage, goblin appears in fantasy fiction, gaming culture, and informal internet idiom. Goblin mode is a recent addition to everyday informal vocabulary.