niminy-piminy

[ nim-uh-nee-pim-uh-nee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

affectedly delicate or refined; mincing; effeminate:
A niminy-piminy shyness makes frankness impossible.

niminy-piminy

/ ˈnɪmɪnɪˈpɪmɪnɪ /

1795–1805; rhyming compound; namby-pamby

C19: imitative of a prim affected enunciation

"Such niminy piminy things," said Alicia, contradicting the light of satisfaction in her eyes.

Niminy-piminy, nim′i-ni-pim′i-ni, adj. affectedly fine or delicate.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse