Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Wimpy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

đŸ˜Ŧ
Add to dictionary

wimpy

[ˈwÉĒm.pi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person

Wimpy is used to describe someone who is weak or ineffectual, often lacking the courage or determination to stand up for themselves. It carries connotations of being timid or cowardly.

Synonyms

feeble, spineless, timid, weak.

Examples of usage

  • He was too wimpy to confront his bully.
  • Her wimpy response surprised us all.
  • The wimpy puppy hid behind its owner.
Context #2 | Noun

informal usage

In informal contexts, 'wimpy' can also refer to someone who is perceived as lacking strength or character, making it a derogatory term for those seen as insufficiently assertive.

Synonyms

coward, milksopp, wuss.

Examples of usage

  • Don't be such a wimpy when it comes to making decisions.
  • He's just a wimpy who won't join us in the challenge.
  • She called him a wimpy for not defending his ideas.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The word gained popularity through the comic strip 'Wimpy Kid', where the main character is depicted as cowardly and clumsy.
  • In the animated series 'Popeye', the character Wimpy is known for being lazy and always looking for a hamburger instead of showing strength.

Psychology

  • Labeling someone as 'wimpy' can have negative effects on self-esteem, often leading to feelings of inadequacy.
  • Society's expectation of masculinity can pressure individuals into acting tough, making those perceived as 'wimpy' feel isolated.

Literature

  • Wimpy characters are often used in literature to create a contrast with more heroic figures, highlighting their bravery.
  • Authors may use wimpy characters for comic relief, showcasing humorous situations stemming from their timid nature.

Social Context

  • The term can sometimes be used affectionately among friends, but it's crucial to consider context to avoid hurting feelings.
  • In sports, 'wimpy' refers to players who lack aggression or competitiveness, which can affect team dynamics.

Origin of 'wimpy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'wimpy' is believed to have originated in the 1930s and may be linked to the word 'wimp', which means a weak or ineffectual person.
  • It may also have connections to 'wimpish', a variant that describes a weak character or timid behavior.

The word 'wimpy' originated in the early 20th century as a slang term. It is believed to have been derived from the name of the character 'Wimpy' from the popular comic strip 'Popeye,' created by Elzie Crisler Segar. The character, J. Wellington Wimpy, was known for his love of hamburgers and his cowardly nature, which increased the negative connotation of the word. Over time, 'wimpy' evolved into general usage to describe people or actions that are perceived as weak or timid. The term has been entrenched in informal English and has been used frequently in comic contexts, contributing to its lasting presence in vernacular speech.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,802, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.