dingbat

[ ding-bat ]

noun

1. Slang. an eccentric, silly, or empty-headed person.
2. dingus.
3. Printing. an ornamental piece of type for borders, separators, decorations, etc.
4. an object, as a brick, serving as a missile.

dingbat

/ ˈdɪŋˌbæt /

noun

1. any unnamed object, esp one used as a missile
2. a crazy or stupid person

Word History and Origins

Origin of dingbat¹

First recorded in 1830–40; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of dingbat¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Your tiles are loose, and the lady knows what is good for a dingbat like you.

From Project Gutenberg