English

Noun

lightbulb ‎(plural lightbulbs)

1. Alternative spelling of light bulb

Etymology 2

Compound noun formed from English elements – ‘light’ and ‘bulb’. Derived from the literal colloquial Cantonese translation of: 电灯泡 (diàn dēng pào) where 电灯 (diàn dēng) electrical light and 泡 (pào) bulb.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈlīt-ˌbəlb/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈlīt-ˌbəlb/

Noun

lightbulb ‎(plural lightbulbs)

1. (Singapore, colloquial) gooseberry (a person who is not invited on a couple's date and who prevents or hinders romantic interactions)
   • 2011, Heidy The Traveler, "", Learn Singlish a Bit!, 23 October 2011:

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

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

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

   • 2014, carolcraves, "", Twitter, 31 January 2014:

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