lightbulb

See also: light-bulb and light bulb

English

Etymology 1

Noun

lightbulb (plural lightbulbs)

1. Alternative spelling of light bulb
   • 2003 July 6, Edward Tenner, “'Our Own Devices'”, in The New York Times‎^[1]:

     A young orangutan in the San Diego Zoo became famous for unbolting the screening of his crib, removing the wires, and moving through the zoo nursery, unscrewing lightbulbs.

Etymology 2

Calque from Cantonese 電燈泡／电灯泡 (din6 dang1 paau1), as though the third person is a light bulb in the background.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ˈlaɪtˌbʌlb/

Noun

lightbulb (plural lightbulbs)

1. (Singapore, colloquial) An uninvited third person joining a couple's date who prevents or hinders romantic interactions.
   • 2011 October 23, Heidy The Traveler, Learn Singlish a Bit!:

     You two go ahead lah, I don't want to be lightbulb.

   • 2014 August 3, Chris Soh, 20 Words That Mean Something Completely Different to Singaporeans:

     When she finally came out her friend joined us. Damn lightbulb leh!

   • 2014, carolcraves, "[2]", Twitter, 31 January 2014:

     Being an extra big light bulb and eating with two cousins and their husband and fiance.

Synonyms

• gooseberry
• third wheel