Gomers

Gomers is the plural form of the noun gomer, a term that has several meanings in English and is used in different contexts. In informal American slang, a gomer refers to a person who is naive, awkward, or unsophisticated. The term is considered outdated or offensive by many today and is not part of standard, respectful language.

The origin of the word gomer is uncertain. It has appeared in American slang since the mid-20th century, often as a lightpejorative label in jokes or casual speech. Because of its pejorative connotations, its use is generally avoided in formal writing or polite conversation.

In popular culture, the name Gomer is best known from the character Gomer Pyle, played by Jim Nabors in The Andy Griffith Show and later in the spin-off Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. The character’s cheerful naiveté helped keep the name in public awareness, though it did not standardize the term’s broader usage.

In a medical context, GOMER is an acronym for “Get Out Of My Emergency Room.” It has been used by some healthcare workers to describe patients who frequently seek emergency department care for non-urgent issues. This usage is controversial and criticized for stigmatizing patients with complex or chronic health needs; many professionals advocate for more compassionate, resource-appropriate care.

Today, the term Gomers is mostly encountered in historical or cultural references and in discussions of slang, pop culture, or healthcare jargon rather than in everyday conversation.