ninny

Definition

A silly or foolish person.

Etymology

Unknown; the synonym ninnyhammer appears around the same time. Possibly related to innocent or Italian ninno (“small child”).

Example Sentences

• "Byd. […] a good cheeke, an inticing eye, a smooth skinne, a well shapt leg, a faire hand, you cannot bring a wench into a fooles parradize for you? Sim. Not I by this garter, I am a foole, a very Ninny I, how call you her? how call you her?"
• "Caliban: What a py'de Ninnie's this? Thou ſcvrvy patch: […]"
• ""Nob, you woolly-pated ninny!" [Butterbur] cried. "Can't you give old friends their names?"

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