namby pamby etymology

Etymology:

The term "namby-pamby" is derived from the nickname of Ambrose Philips, an 18th-century English poet. His poetry was characterized by its excessive sentimentality and lack of vigor.

Meaning:

Namby-pamby refers to someone who is:

• Overly sentimental, effeminate, or weak
• Lacking in strength or virility
• Trivial or insignificant

Origin:

The term was first used in 1725 in a satirical poem by Henry Carey titled "Namby Pamby." In the poem, Carey criticized Philips' poetry for its softness and lack of substance. The term quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with sentimentality and weakness.

Usage:

"Namby-pamby" is typically used in a negative sense to describe someone who is too emotional, timid, or lacking in character. It can also be used to refer to something that is trivial, unimportant, or lacking in quality.

Examples:

• "His speeches were full of namby-pamby sentiments that made me cringe."
• "I can't read that namby-pamby novel; it's too sweet for my taste."
• "I'm tired of their namby-pamby excuses; they need to take responsibility for their actions."

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