noun Uncommon

Rambo

RAM-boh

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Rambo (noun) means a person who acts recklessly and violently, ignoring orders or caution to charge straight at a problem. Example: “He went full Rambo and tried to fix the leak himself instead of calling a plumber.”

noun

A person who acts recklessly and violently, ignoring orders or caution to charge straight at a problem.

"He went full Rambo and tried to fix the leak himself instead of calling a plumber."

"The new recruit got a talking-to for playing Rambo during the training exercise."

How to use Rambo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who charges into danger alone, guns blazing, instead of working carefully or with a team.

When to use it

Informal and usually used disapprovingly, often as "go Rambo" or "play Rambo."

Common pairings

go rambo a rambo move

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Rambos

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Can you complete this real example?

He went full _____ and tried to fix the leak himself instead of calling a plumber.

Etymology

From the fictional character John Rambo, a Vietnam War veteran in the Rambo film series, whose surname itself traces back to Scandinavian settler families in the United States.

Rhymes for Rambo

ambo mambo shambo

See all rhymes for Rambo →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Rambo” mean?

The word “Rambo” means a person who acts recklessly and violently, ignoring orders or caution to charge straight at a problem. In plain terms, someone who charges into danger alone, guns blazing, instead of working carefully or with a team.

How do you pronounce “Rambo”?

“Rambo” is pronounced RAM-boh (/ˈɹæmbəʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Rambo” in a sentence?

Here is “Rambo” used in a sentence: “He went full Rambo and tried to fix the leak himself instead of calling a plumber.”

What part of speech is “Rambo”?

“Rambo” is a noun.

Is “Rambo” a common word?

“Rambo” is an uncommon word in modern English.