noddy

[ nod-ee ]

noun

, plural nod·dies.

1. any of several dark-bodied terns of the genera Anous and Micranous found about the coasts and islands in warm seas of both the New and Old Worlds, often so tame as to seem stupid.
2. a fool or simpleton; noodle.

noddy

¹

/ ˈnɒdɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   very easy to use or understand; simplistic

noddy

²

/ ˈnɒdɪ /

noun

1. usually plural television film footage of an interviewer's reactions to comments made by an interviewee, used in editing the interview after it has been recorded

noddy

³

/ ˈnɒdɪ /

noun

1. any of several tropical terns of the genus Anous, esp A. stolidus ( common noddy ), typically having a dark plumage
2. a fool or dunce

Word History and Origins

Origin of noddy¹

1520–30; perhaps noun use of obsolete noddy (adj.) silly. See nod, -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of noddy¹

C20: origin unknown

Origin of noddy²

C20: from nod

Origin of noddy³

C16: perhaps noun use of obsolete noddy foolish, drowsy, perhaps from nod (vb); the bird is so called because it allows itself to be caught by hand

Example Sentences

Noddy Holder hopes to go on the road again in the new year, but the former Slade frontman has said his cancer has changed him as a performer.

From BBC

Before his England days, he would make trips to Western Australia to hit with batting coach Neil 'Noddy' Holder, on the advice of former Kent team-mate and now England boss Rob Key.

From BBC

Half a century after Slade recorded their massive hit single Merry Xmas Everybody, Noddy Holder said strangers still ask him to shout his "It's Christmas" catchphrase.

From BBC

Last year's advert for Iceland, which is headquartered in Flintshire, was voiced by Brian Blessed and featured Slade's Noddy Holder.

From BBC

Slade legend Noddy Holder remains all clear from cancer after his latest scans, his wife Suzan says.

From BBC