A namby-pamby (plural namby-pambies) is someone, usually a male, who is overly weak, sentimental or indecisive. It was a play on the name of Ambrose Philips, who wrote sickeningly sentimental poems for children. The nickname was devised by Henry Carey, a poet and songwriter, who wrote “God Save the Queen” and “My Country ‘tis of Thee”. It was popularized, however, by Alexander Pope in his satirical epic “The Dunciad”. It can also be used as an adjective meaning weak or spineless, lacking vigour or decisiveness, and overly sentimental.
by AKACroatalin June 7, 2015
A noun describing a male, can be child or adult, who adores his Mother and who seems to have no desire to cut the apron strings. Although not always overtly homosexual they tend to have feminine mannerisms and interests and are overly sensitive to criticism and the reactions of others to them. In short a total wuss or the worst sort of softy.
Georgie's taking flowers and chocolates to his Mother again; that's the third time this week.
Is she ill?
No, he's always doing that.
Namby-pamby twat!
Is she ill?
No, he's always doing that.
Namby-pamby twat!
by Croatalin November 14, 2013
Weak, with no backbone.
by PandaGirl xox May 30, 2016
n. A cloyingly mock-virtuous person. Suggestive of effeminacy. The adjective form may not technically be slang.
by JohnWWells December 7, 2003