When you say 'goo' are you speaking Persian?

'Goo' is a word borrowed from Persian 'bulġūr'. The word entered the English language some time around 1900.

goo [noun] [1900]

• a viscid or sticky substance
• sentimental tripe

See 'goo' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Persian.

note: Early 20th century (originally US): perhaps from burgoo a nautical slang term for porridge based on Persian bulġūr ‘bruised grain’.
Etymology: Perhaps short for 'burgoo'

See more loan words from 1900s.