dingbat

American  

[ding-bat] / ˈdɪŋˌbæt /

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.

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dingbat British  

/ ˈdɪŋˌbæt /

noun

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

2. a crazy or stupid person

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Etymology

Origin of dingbat

First recorded in 1830–40; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

By the 1980s dingbats were illegal to build, and much of Los Angeles, including Parkman Avenue, was zoned for lower density.

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

Vacant units in the dingbat have broken windows.

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