Mitty

American  

[mit-ee] / ˈmɪt i /

noun

1. Walter Mitty.

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Mitty British  

/ ˈmɪtɪ /

noun

1. 1. a fictional character given to grand and elaborate fantasies; daydreamer

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Walter Mitty character

      a Mitty act

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Other Word Forms

• Mittyesque adjective
• Mittyish adjective

Etymology

Origin of Mitty

C20: from a short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1939), by James _Thurber

Example Sentences

Carley was investigated by police and prosecuted after veterans at the Llandudno memorial event in November 2025 raised the alarm with authorities - but some who witnessed Carley's behaviour also chose to contact the Walter Mitty Hunters Club in the hope that one of the group's 48,000 Facebook followers might know more about him.

From BBC

Walter Mitty is a term sometimes used to describe a person who fantasizes about a life more interesting and exciting than their own.

From BBC

"It's about the disrespect, both for the people who have passed away but also for those that are currently away serving," explained Graham Jones, a former Royal Marine who spotted a different so-called Walter Mitty at a Remembrance parade near Wrexham a decade ago.

From BBC

Jones said he spotted his Walter Mitty dressed as "a senior rank in the RAF" and "wearing medals he wasn't entitled to".

From BBC

Now Jones is CEO of veterans' charity Woody's Lodge, and said he and many other veterans closely followed the work of groups like the Walter Mitty Hunters Club to protect themselves and others from harmful fakes.

From BBC