namby-pamby

nam·by–pam·by

adj \ˌnam-bē-ˈpam-bē\

Definition of NAMBY-PAMBY

1

: lacking in character or substance : insipid

2

: weak, indecisive

— namby–pamby noun

Origin of NAMBY-PAMBY

Namby Pamby, nickname given to Ambrose Philips

First Known Use: 1741

Related to NAMBY-PAMBY

Synonyms: banal, flat, insipid, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, watery

Antonyms: backboned, firm, hard, strong, tough

Related Words: unexciting, uninspiring, unrewarding; bland, boring, drab, dreary, dry, dull, heavy, humdrum, jading, leaden, lifeless, monotonous, pedestrian, ponderous, tedious, tiresome, tiring, uninteresting, vapid, wearisome, weary, wearying; inane; innocuous, inoffensive; mild, soft, subdued, tame, weak; common, commonplace, ordinary, stale, unexceptional

Near Antonyms: piquant, poignant, pungent, racy, spicy; meaty, substantial; entertaining, exciting, galvanizing, inspiring, invigorating, thrilling

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