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Wimpy: meaning, definitions and examples

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wimpy

 

[ ˈwɪm.pi ]

Adjective / Noun
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

Translations of the word "wimpy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fraco

🇮🇳 कमज़ोर

🇩🇪 schwach

🇮🇩 lemah

🇺🇦 слабкий

🇵🇱 słaby

🇯🇵 弱い

🇫🇷 faible

🇪🇸 débil

🇹🇷 zayıf

🇰🇷 약한

🇸🇦 ضعيف

🇨🇿 slabý

🇸🇰 slabý

🇨🇳 软弱的

🇸🇮 šibek

🇮🇸 veikur

🇰🇿 әлсіз

🇬🇪 სუსტ

🇦🇿 zəif

🇲🇽 débil

Etymology

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.