mickey mouse
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A famous cartoon character: A fictional mouse, created by Walt Disney, who is one of the world's most recognizable and iconic cartoon characters. He typically appears with his girlfriend Minnie Mouse and friends like Donald Duck and Goofy. 2. Something trivial, unsophisticated, or of poor quality (informal, often derogatory): Used to describe something considered childish, silly, or not serious or well-made. This usage often implies a lack of respect or importance.
Examples
- As a character:
- The children were delighted to meet Mickey Mouse at the theme park.
- The first cartoon starring Mickey Mouse was "Steamboat Willie."
- As a descriptor (informal):
- He quit the job because he was tired of the mickey mouse rules and paperwork.
- Don't bring that mickey mouse equipment on the expedition; we need professional gear.
Advanced Usage
- "Mickey Mouse operation/course": A phrase used to criticize an organization, class, or process as being badly run, unserious, or not challenging.
- That company is a total Mickey Mouse operation; they never answer their phones.
- Many students considered the freshman seminar a Mickey Mouse course.
Variants and Related Words
- Mickey Mouse (adjective): Often used attributively in its informal, derogatory sense.
- mickey mouse regulations (trivial regulations)
- a mickey mouse degree (a degree perceived as having little academic value)
Synonyms
- For the character: Disney character, cartoon icon.
- For the informal meaning: trivial, petty, amateurish, second-rate, childish, silly.
Related Idioms
- "Mickey Mouse around" (slang, less common): To waste time or act in a foolish, unserious way.
- Stop mickey mousing around and get to work!
Noun
- a fictional mouse created in animated film strips by Walt Disney