NAMBY-PAMBY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does namby-pamby mean? 

• NAMBY-PAMBY (noun)
  The noun NAMBY-PAMBY has 1 sense:

1. an insipid weakling who is foolishly sentimental

  Familiarity information: NAMBY-PAMBY used as a noun is very rare.

• NAMBY-PAMBY (adjective)
  The adjective NAMBY-PAMBY has 1 sense:

1. weak in willpower, courage or vitality

  Familiarity information: NAMBY-PAMBY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• NAMBY-PAMBY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An insipid weakling who is foolishly sentimental

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("namby-pamby" is a kind of...):

doormat; weakling; wuss (a person who is physically weak and ineffectual)

Derivation:

namby-pamby (weak in willpower, courage or vitality)

• NAMBY-PAMBY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Weak in willpower, courage or vitality

Synonyms:

gutless; namby-pamby; spineless; wishy-washy

Similar:

weak (wanting in physical strength)

Derivation:

namby-pamby (an insipid weakling who is foolishly sentimental)

 Context examples 

And they were not namby-pamby oaths, or mere expressions of indecency.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)