namby-pamby

nam·by–pam·by

adjective \ˌnam-bē-ˈpam-bē\

: too weak or gentle : not strong or strict enough

Full 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