lightbulb
nounUK, US /ˈlaɪtˌbʌlb/
Etymology Calque from Cantonese 電燈泡／电灯泡 (din6 dang1 paau1), as though the third person is a light bulb in the background.
1
Singapore, Colloquial An uninvited third person joining a couple's date who prevents or hinders romantic interactions.
- You two go ahead lah, I don't want to be lightbulb.2011 October 23, Heidy The Traveler, Learn Singlish a Bit!:
- When she finally came out her friend joined us. Damn lightbulb leh!2014 August 3, Chris Soh, 20 Words That Mean Something Completely Different to Singaporeans:
1 more example
- Being an extra big light bulb and eating with two cousins and their husband and fiance.2014, carolcraves, "https://twitter.com/carolcraves/status/429233427863183360", Twitter, 31 January 2014
- Synonyms
- gooseberry, third wheel