zilch

Definition

A nobody: a person who is worthless in importance or character.

Etymology

Probably from Joe Zilch, a placeholder name (compare John Doe) used by Nunnally Johnson in his column in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle from 1923; in turn from Joe Zilch, an unseen character referenced in comedian Frank Tinney's stage routine. Compare the rare German surname Zilch.

Example Sentences

• "President Henry P. Zilch. Chairman of the Board Charles D. Zilch. Treasurer Otto Zilch."
• "Bernarr MacZilch [for Bernarr Macfadden] and His Dynamic-Hooey System... The WEAKLING Who Became 'The World's Most Perfect Ass!'"
• "Dinglegoofer, Mr. Zilch, indefinite nicknames."