dingbat etymology

Etymology

The word "dingbat" has several possible etymologies:

• "Ding" + "bat": "Ding" may be an onomatopoeia for a small bell or sound, while "bat" refers to a small mammal. This etymology suggests that "dingbat" originally described something small and noisy.
• "Dindon" + "bat": "Dindon" is a French word for "turkey," and "bat" means "a blow." This etymology implies that "dingbat" referred to a foolish or eccentric person, like a turkey that makes a silly sound.
• "Ding-dong" + "batty": "Ding-dong" is an onomatopoeia for a bell sound, and "batty" means "crazy." This etymology suggests that "dingbat" originally described someone who was slightly eccentric or foolish.

Meaning

• A small decorative design or symbol, often used as a filler or to break up text.
• A person who is foolish, eccentric, or silly.

Origin

The word "dingbat" first appeared in the early 19th century as a term for a small object that was of little value or use. It was used to describe everything from useless decorations to small pieces of garbage.

Over time, the word "dingbat" began to be used more figuratively, to describe a person or thing that was silly, foolish, or eccentric.

In the mid-20th century, the word "dingbat" gained a new meaning when it was used to describe the small typographic ornaments and symbols that were used to break up text.

Today, the word "dingbat" can be used in either a literal or figurative sense, depending on the context.

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