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English Lexicon

Ninnyhammer

/ˈnɪn.iˌhæm.ər/
nounCEFR C2 (Proficient)Top #45000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    A foolish, silly, or inept person; a simpleton.

    "Stop acting like a ninnyhammer and focus on the important task at hand."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Originating in the late 16th century, 'ninnyhammer' is a compound word blending 'ninny' (a fool or simpleton, likely a contraction of 'an innocent') with 'hammer' (perhaps used as a slang intensifier or suffix denoting a persistent type). It was frequently used in early modern English drama and literature as a colorful insult for a foolish or silly person.

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