noun
ninny
NIH-nee
Ninny (noun) means a foolish or silly person. Example: “Don't be such a ninny — just ask for directions.”
noun
1
A foolish or silly person.
"Don't be such a ninny — just ask for directions."
"Ninny — that soft, smiling, self-effacing, apologetic fellow, the type who is terribly sorry when you happen to step on his foot, the kind you can borrow money from in the certainty he will never demand you repay it."
— John D. MacDonald, (Please provide the book title or journal name) (1962)
"Now, on the pool deck, the boys tussle and roughhouse with the zeal of Labrador puppies, slugging each other lovingly in the shoulders and then retreating with giggles like ninnies."
— Barrett Swanson, The Anxiety of Influencers (2021)
How to use ninny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gentle, old-fashioned put-down for someone acting foolishly.
When to use it
Mild and often affectionate rather than genuinely harsh.
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Word forms
- Plural
- ninnies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't be such a _____ — just ask for directions.
Etymology
Origin unclear; possibly linked to "innocent" or an old Italian word for a small child.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ninny
See all rhymes for ninny →Frequently asked questions
What does “ninny” mean?
The word “ninny” means a foolish or silly person. In plain terms, a gentle, old-fashioned put-down for someone acting foolishly.
How do you pronounce “ninny”?
“Ninny” is pronounced NIH-nee (/ˈnɪni/ in IPA).
How do you use “ninny” in a sentence?
Here is “ninny” used in a sentence: “Don't be such a ninny — just ask for directions.”
What part of speech is “ninny”?
“Ninny” is a noun.
Where does the word “ninny” come from?
The word “ninny” comes from Italian. Origin unclear; possibly linked to "innocent" or an old Italian word for a small child.
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