Meanie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก
meanie
[หmiหni ]
Definition
negative person
A 'meanie' is an informal term for a person who is unkind, unpleasant, or mean in behavior. This word is often used in a playful or teasing manner, particularly among children, to describe someone who is being malicious or hurtful to others.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Don't be such a meanie!
- He's just a meanie who likes to pick on the younger kids.
- She called him a meanie after he refused to share his toys.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The character 'Mean Girls' in the movie of the same name represents a classic 'meanie' stereotype in high school settings.
- In various childrenโs shows, 'meanie' characters often serve as antagonists to teach lessons about kindness and friendship.
- The song 'Mean' by Taylor Swift discusses how people can overcome the hurt caused by mean people.
Psychology
- Being a 'meanie' can stem from insecurity or a need for control over social situations.
- Research shows that children who are mean may also struggle with feelings of loneliness or isolation.
- Bullying behavior, often associated with being a 'meanie', can negatively impact both the bully and the victim's mental health.
Literature
- Many children's books feature 'meanie' characters that ultimately learn about the importance of kindness, such as 'The Grinch' from Dr. Seuss.
- Classic fairy tales often include anti-heroes who display 'meanie' traits before undergoing redemption.
- The use of 'meanie' in stories highlights moral lessons about empathy and treating others with respect.
Social Dynamics
- 'Mean behavior' can create a ripple effect, influencing group interactions and social hierarchies.
- Children often learn about the consequences of being a 'meanie' through peer interactions in school settings.
- Social media has amplified the impact of 'mean' behavior, where online anonymity can lead to increased bullying.
Origin of 'meanie'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'meanie' likely derives from the word 'mean', which has roots in Old English meaning 'lowly' or 'common'.
- It became popular in American English during the mid-20th century, especially in children's media and literature.
- The playful ending '-ie' adds a whimsical touch, making it sound less harsh than 'mean'.
The word 'meanie' is believed to have originated in American English during the mid-20th century as a variant of the word 'mean'. 'Mean' has roots going back to Old English 'gemene', meaning 'common' or 'usual', which evolved over time to describe someone unkind or spiteful. The diminutive form 'meanie' serves to soften the harshness of the term, making it more suited to informal and playful contexts, particularly among children. Its usage has gained popularity in various cultural contexts, from children's literature to popular media, often to denote silly or whimsical arguments or behaviors rather than serious malice.