Definition of Namby-pamby

1. Noun. An insipid weakling who is foolishly sentimental.

Generic synonyms: Doormat, Weakling, Wuss

2. Adjective. Weak in willpower, courage or vitality.
Exact synonyms: Gutless, Spineless, Wishy-washy
Similar to: Weak
Derivative terms: Spinelessness

Definition of Namby-pamby

1. Adjective. Insipid and sentimental ¹

2. Adjective. Lacking vigor or decisiveness; spineless; wishy-washy ¹

3. Noun. One that is insipid, sentimental(,) or weak. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Namby-pamby

naltrexone
naltrexones
nam
nam'd
namability
namable
namableness
namansilite
namaskar
namaskars
namaste
namastes
namaycush
namaycushes
nambulite
namby-pamby (current term)
name-based type system
name-based type systems
name-calling
name-callings
name-drop
name-dropper
name-dropping
name-sake
name after
name and address
name and shame
name bearing type
name brand
name brands

Literary usage of Namby-pamby

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Handy-book of Literary Curiosities by William Shepard Walsh (1892)
"Ask mt indeed to pop a robber under a bed : to hide a will which >hall be forthcoming in due season ; or at my time of life to write a namby-pamby ..."

2. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1855)
"“A Satyr to the Author of Namby Pamby, address'd to Amb. P—ps, Esq., by a Lady, 1726.” With respect to No. 1., I am aware that the initials “ A—. ..."

3. Chambers's Cyclopaedia of English Literature: A History Critical and by Robert Chambers, David Patrick (1902)
"Namby Pamby: or, a Panegyric on the new Versification addressed to A— P , Esq. 1 Nauty ... Namby Pamby ne'er will die While the nurse sings lullaby. ..."

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