nimrod
Pronunciation
/ˈnɪmɹɑd/

Definition & Meaning of "nimrod"in English

Nimrod
01

a silly, foolish, or stupid person

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
nimrod definition and meaning
Offensive
Slang
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Human
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
nimrods

What is the origin of the term "nimrod" and how is it used?

Nimrod is a slang term that appeared in mid-20th-century English to describe a silly, foolish, or stupid person. The term originally comes from the biblical figure Nimrod, a mighty hunter, but in American slang it was ironically repurposed to mean someone inept or clueless, popularized by cartoons like Looney Tunes. Historically, it was derogatory and mocking, used to ridicule someone's intelligence or behavior. Today it remains informal and insulting, commonly used in casual, humorous, or critical contexts rather than polite or formal conversation.

Examples
That nimrod left his wallet in the fridge.
02

a mighty and skilled hunter

Examples
As a nimrod, he spent weekends in the woods, honing his skills in tracking and hunting game.
03

a biblical figure described as a great-grandson of Noah and a mighty hunter

Examples
The ancient tales celebrated Nimrod as a legendary figure, renowned for his prowess and success in hunting dangerous beasts.
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