Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, grotesque supernatural creature in folklore: A goblin is typically depicted as a mischievous, ugly, and often malevolent being that causes trouble for humans.

Usage

• As a noun: The word "goblin" is used to refer to a specific type of mythical creature. It is a countable noun.
  • The story warned of a goblin that lived in the forest and played tricks on travelers.
  • In the movie, the hero had to defeat an army of goblins.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Goblin mode": A modern, informal phrase describing a state of unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, or slovenly behavior.
  • After a long week, I spent Saturday in full goblin mode, eating snacks and watching TV all day.

Variants and Related Words

• Goblinoid (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a goblin.
  • The artist drew creatures with goblinoid features.
• Hobgoblin (n): Another type of mischievous or frightening goblin-like creature; often used to mean an object of fear or a bugbear.
  • For him, public speaking was a real hobgoblin.

Synonyms

• Imp: A small, mischievous devil or sprite.
• Gremlin: An imaginary mischievous creature blamed for mechanical problems.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To play the goblin": To act in a mischievous or troublesome manner (less common, archaic).
  • Stop playing the goblin and help clean up this mess you made.

Noun

1. (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings