adj
mimsy
MIHM-zee
Mimsy (adj) means a whimsical, invented word (from Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky") suggesting something flimsy and miserable. Example: “The borogoves in the poem are described as "mimsy".”
adj
1
A whimsical, invented word (from Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky") suggesting something flimsy and miserable.
"The borogoves in the poem are described as "mimsy"."
How to use mimsy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA nonsense word Lewis Carroll invented, loosely suggesting something weak, unhappy, and flimsy at once.
When to use it
A literary and playful word, not used in everyday speech outside of references to the poem.
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Word forms
- Plural
- mimsies
- Comparative
- mimsier
- Superlative
- mimsiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The borogoves in the poem are described as "_____".
Etymology
Coined by Lewis Carroll as a blend of "miserable" and "flimsy" for his 1871 poem "Jabberwocky".
Class of 1871
mimsy joined the language around 1871.
See the full Class of 1871 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for mimsy
See all rhymes for mimsy →Frequently asked questions
What does “mimsy” mean?
The word “mimsy” means a whimsical, invented word (from Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky") suggesting something flimsy and miserable. In plain terms, a nonsense word Lewis Carroll invented, loosely suggesting something weak, unhappy, and flimsy at once.
How do you pronounce “mimsy”?
“Mimsy” is pronounced MIHM-zee (/ˈmɪmzi/ in IPA).
How do you use “mimsy” in a sentence?
Here is “mimsy” used in a sentence: “The borogoves in the poem are described as "mimsy".”
What part of speech is “mimsy”?
“Mimsy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “mimsy” come from?
The word “mimsy” dates back to around 1871. Coined by Lewis Carroll as a blend of "miserable" and "flimsy" for his 1871 poem "Jabberwocky".
