namby-pamby Hear it!

namby-pamby Definition

namby-pamby (nam′bē pam′bē)

adjective

  1. weakly sentimental; insipid
  2. without vigor
  3. wishy-washy

Etymology: orig. satirical nickname of Ambrose Philips, 18th-c. Eng poet: in ridicule of his sentimental pastorals

noun

  1. namby-pamby talk
  2. pl. -·bies a namby-pamby person

namby-pamby Synonyms

namby-pamby

modif.

insipid, wishy-washy, simpering; see cowardly 1, 2, irresolute, sentimental.

namby-pamby Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • stuff: So, it's away with all this namby-pamby stuff like modern high-speed drills at the dentist and epidural blocks for complicated childbirth!
  • liberal: We'll just veto it all and those namby-pamby liberals will just have to stand by and watch.

Browse dictionary entries near namby-pamby

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  10. ‹ nakedness
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