Meaning of namby-pambical | Babel Free
Definitions
- Like or resembling a namby-pamby; lacking vigor or decisiveness, wishy-washy.
- Having a namby-pamby character; insipid, sentimental, or weak.
Examples
““Of course, – I am being far too nice, aye and no doubt⟳ namby-pambical as well, – ha ha, ha, – after all, what’s being confin’d upon the Summit of a living Volcanoe whose History includes violent Explosion, hey? […]””
“Pray tell⟳ R. Sheen, I am hugely displeased at his reprinting the Nativity Hymns, and omitting the very best hymn in the collection—All glory to God in the sky, &c. I beg⟳ they may never more be printed without it. Omit one or two and I will thank⟳ you. They are namby-pambical. I wish⟳ you would give⟳ us two or three invitatory hymns.”
“The 4th stanza is rather namby-pambical; the sentiment is much better expressed in the 5th.”
CEFR level
C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
Know this word better than we do? Language is a living thing — help us keep it growing. Collaborate with Babel Free