ninnyhammer

American  

[nin-ee-ham-er] / ˈnɪn iˌhæm ər /

noun

1. a fool or simpleton; ninny.

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ninnyhammer British  

/ ˈnɪnɪˌhæmə /

noun

1. a ninny

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Etymology

Origin of ninnyhammer

First recorded in 1585–95; ninny + hammer

Example Sentences

"Have you no more manners than to rail at Hocus, that has saved that clod-pated, numskull'd ninnyhammer of yours from ruin, and all his family?"—ARBUTHNOT: ib., w.

From The Grammar of English Grammars by Brown, Goold

I don't care the devil had the M'Mahons; but I am bound to this ninnyhammer of a landlord, who has got me promoted, and who promises, besides, to get an appointment for you.

From The Emigrants Of Ahadarra The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by Carleton, William

I pursued the sad inquiry: 'A noodle, a pigwidgeon, a ninnyhammer, a bubble on the wave, a leaf in the wind, Madame!'

From More Trivia by Smith, Logan Pearsall

"You ninnyhammer," said she to her son, "you should have carried it on your shoulder."

From Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales A Sequel to the Nursery Rhymes of England by Halliwell-Phillipps, J. O. (James Orchard)

You needn't attempt to argue with me, because you are a ninnyhammer, and I am a second Nestor.

From The Rivet in Grandfather's Neck A Comedy of Limitations by Cabell, James Branch