Library / English Dictionary

NAMBY-PAMBY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (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)

 II. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Weak in willpower, courage or vitality

Synonyms:

gutless; namby-pamby; spineless; wishy-washy

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

weak (wanting in physical strength)

Derivation:

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

Credits