Nimrod: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word originally comes from the Hebrew name Nimrod, a character from the Bible known for being a mighty hunter.
• In the 19th century, it began to take on a more humorous meaning, especially in American slang.
• The evolution from a revered hunter to a term for foolishness highlights the irony of language change over time.

Pop Culture

• The term became widely popular in the 20th century, especially after its use in cartoons and comic strips.
• In the animated series 'Looney Tunes,' Bugs Bunny often used the term to refer to Elmer Fudd in a teasing manner, contributing to the modern connotation.
• Musician Frank Zappa released an album in the 1970s titled 'You Are What You Is,' which included the song 'Nimrod's Son,' further embedding the word in popular culture.

Literature

• In literature, authors use the term to describe characters who display traits of clumsiness or foolishness, often to add comedic relief.
• In American novels, such as those by Hemingway, the term is occasionally used to depict characters who are out of touch with reality.

Psychology

• The usage of the word reflects a common human tendency to establish social hierarchies based on perceived intelligence.
• Using playful language like this in social interactions can foster camaraderie among peers, as it lightens the mood of discussions about intelligence.

History

• The character Nimrod from the Bible is often identified as a ruler who built the Tower of Babel, which has implications for human ambition and folly.
• Over centuries, the idea of being a 'nimrod' has morphed from noble origins to a cautionary tale about hubris and misunderstanding.

At position #42,197, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 42194 overbearingly
• 42195 imbiber
• 42196 defrayal
• 42197 nimrod
• 42198 neanderthal
• 42199 brainiac
• 42200 beavering
• ...