dingbat

[ding-bat]

noun

1. Slang.,  an eccentric, silly, or empty-headed person.

2. dingus.

3. Printing.,  an ornamental piece of type for borders, separators, decorations, etc.

4. an object, as a brick, serving as a missile.

dingbat

/ ˈdɪŋˌbæt /

noun

1. any unnamed object, esp one used as a missile

2. a crazy or stupid person

Word History and Origins

Origin of dingbat¹

First recorded in 1830–40; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of dingbat¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

These structures became known as dingbats, a common developer name for a structure that was “thrown up quick and shoddily built,” as a newspaper reported at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

He was inspired to invent these elders by contemplating the oddly textured cinder blocks of a dingbat apartment on 6th Avenue in Venice.

From Los Angeles Times

Resting a few feet from a dingbat apartment to the south, the ADU is lifted off the ground to preserve two parking spots in the alley and a swimming pool in front.

From Los Angeles Times

The property, made up of multiple lots, currently houses 10 bungalows, five dingbat apartments, a single-family home and 6-foot-tall weeds growing next to the burned-out structures.

From Los Angeles Times

These structures, also known as dingbats, can be retrofitted by installing a steel frame to support the ground story.

From Los Angeles Times