| 释义 |
nam·by-pam·by
I. \|nambē|pambē, |naam...aambē, -bi...bi\ adjective
Etymology: from Namby Pamby, nickname given to Ambrose Philips died 1749 English poet by some satirists of his time to ridicule the style of his verses
1. : characterized by feeble sentimentality or insipid and artificial prettiness or elegance
< namby-pamby rhymes >
2.
a. of a person : lacking in vigor or manliness : weak, trifling, or childish in character or behavior
< namby-pamby boys afraid to leave their mothers' apron strings >
b. : lacking in real worth, substance, or quality : unduly lax, soft, or conciliatory
< the namby-pamby handling of juvenile delinquents >
< namby-pamby educational standards >
II. noun
(-es)
: something (as talk, writing, or a person) that is namby-pamby |