niminy-piminy

[ nim-uh-nee-pim-uh-nee ]

adjective

1. affectedly delicate or refined; mincing; effeminate:

   A niminy-piminy shyness makes frankness impossible.

niminy-piminy

/ ˈnɪmɪnɪˈpɪmɪnɪ /

adjective

1. excessively refined; prim

Other Words From

• nimi·ny-pimi·ni·ness noun
• nimi·ny-pimi·ny·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of niminy-piminy¹

1795–1805; rhyming compound; namby-pamby

Word History and Origins

Origin of niminy-piminy¹

C19: imitative of a prim affected enunciation

Example Sentences

"Such niminy piminy things," said Alicia, contradicting the light of satisfaction in her eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Niminy-piminy, nim′i-ni-pim′i-ni, adj. affectedly fine or delicate.

From Project Gutenberg