The Historic Roots of ‘The Gunners’ and ‘Gooners’
Arsenal’s identity as “The Gunners” traces directly to the club’s 1886 founding by workers at the Royal Arsenal munitions factory in Woolwich, London. Workers who manufactured cannons and firearms naturally became known as “Gunners” – a nickname immortalized in the cannon on Arsenal’s crest. But how did “Gunners” evolve into “Gooners”?
Football historians cite multiple theories:
- Herbert Chapman’s influence: Legendary 1930s manager Chapman was reportedly called a “Gooner” by fans due to his eccentric personality
- Linguistic evolution: Similar to Newcastle’s “Toon Army,” “Gunners” naturally morphed into “Gooners” in supporter vernacular
- Chant origins: The 1960s anthem “Good Old Arsenal” embedded the term in matchday culture
- Fan passion: Some suggest it reflected the “goonish” enthusiasm of rowdy supporters
The club officially embraced the term in a 1966 matchday program, according to Arsenal FC archives. By the 1980s, it was cemented in fan culture when the independent magazine The Gooner began circulating outside Highbury Stadium. Now publishing digital editions including dedicated coverage of Arsenal Women, the publication remains a testament to the term’s endurance.
The Gen Z Slang Takeover: ‘Gooner’ Memes Go Viral
A linguistic collision occurred when Gen Z co-opted “gooner” as internet slang. Urban Dictionary entries since 2023 define a “gooner” as someone compulsively consuming explicit content, with “gooning” describing associated behavior. This created viral confusion as tweets like @UTD__Max’s July 2025 post – “Absolutely blows my mind that these mfs WILLINGLY call themselves GOONERS” – gained millions of views.
Recent developments include:
- Twitter users like @bingeonminge (July 2025) lamenting age restrictions impacting “gooning
- Viral Instagram memes juxtaposing Arsenal fan celebrations with slang definitions
- Algorithmic amplification causing #Gooner to trend for unrelated reasons
- Good-natured pushback from Arsenal supporters reclaiming their heritage
The timing coincides with Arsenal’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign, amplifying discussions. While some rival fans mock the double meaning, Arsenal supporters proudly continue traditions like the Good Old Arsenal chant. As lifelong Gooner Martin Keown stated in a 2024 Athletic interview: “We know what it truly represents – decades of unwavering support.”
Despite viral memes, the term ‘Gooner’ remains a proud symbol of Arsenal’s working-class roots and global community. This linguistic clash highlights how football culture evolves yet endures. For true supporters, being a Gooner still means chanting in the rain at Emirates Stadium, not trending on Twitter. Next time you hear the roar, remember: true Gooners are defined by cannon-crested loyalty, not internet slang. Share this story to spread the real history!
Must Know
Q: Why are Arsenal fans called Gooners?
A: It evolved from Arsenal’s “Gunners” nickname, originating from the club’s 1886 founding by munitions factory workers. Linguistic shifts and fan chants in the 1960s helped transition “Gunners” to the affectionate “Gooners” used today.
Q: What does ‘The Gunners’ mean?
A: “The Gunners” directly references Arsenal’s origins at the Royal Arsenal armaments factory in Woolwich, London. Workers manufactured cannons and firearms, inspiring the cannon symbol on the club crest and the enduring nickname.
Q: When did ‘Gooner’ become popular?
A: While used informally earlier, the term gained mainstream traction after appearing in Arsenal’s 1966 matchday program. The 1987 launch of the The Gooner fan magazine solidified its use, especially among supporters during the Wenger era.
Q: What does ‘gooner’ mean in Gen Z slang?
A: Unrelated to football, Gen Z slang defines a “gooner” as someone excessively consuming explicit content. This alternative meaning sparked viral memes but remains distinct from Arsenal supporters’ use of the term.
Q: How have Arsenal fans reacted to the memes?
A: Most supporters embrace the historic meaning while dismissing modern slang. The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust emphasizes context: “Gooner defines our community, not internet trends” (2024 statement).
Q: Is the term officially used by the club?
A: Yes. Arsenal FC uses “Gooners” in communications and retail offerings. The club’s museum details the term’s history, distinguishing it from unrelated modern slang.
