nimrod
Definition
Noun: 1. A skilled hunter: A person who hunts game, especially one known for great skill or success in hunting. This meaning originates from the Biblical figure Nimrod, described in the Book of Genesis as "a mighty hunter before the Lord." 2. An inept person; a fool (informal, chiefly North American, often derogatory): In modern informal usage, particularly in the United States and Canada, "nimrod" is used sarcastically to mean a stupid, clumsy, or inept person. This ironic reversal of meaning is believed to have originated from cartoon character Bugs Bunny sarcastically referring to the hunter Elmer Fudd as "nimrod."
Usage Examples
As a skilled hunter:
- The old guide was a true nimrod, knowing every trail and habit of the local deer.
- In the biblical tradition, Nimrod was a king and a mighty hunter.
As an inept person (informal):
- Some nimrod left the door unlocked all night.
- Don't be such a nimrod—you can't mix those chemicals!
Advanced Usage
- The informal, derogatory usage is now far more common than the original "skilled hunter" meaning in everyday American and Canadian English. Using it to mean a skilled hunter may cause confusion or be seen as intentionally archaic or humorous.
- The term is typically used as a noun to directly label a person ("He's a nimrod") or as a vocative ("Hey, nimrod, watch where you're going!").
Variants and Related Words
- Nimrodic : Pertaining to or resembling the Biblical Nimrod. (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- For "skilled hunter": hunter, huntsman, trapper, stalker.
- For "inept person" : idiot, fool, jerk, moron, dolt, clod, incompetent.
Word Origin and Notes
- The word derives from the Hebrew name , found in the Old Testament (Genesis 10:8-9). The shift to its modern ironic meaning is widely attributed to its use in Warner Bros. cartoons in the mid-20th century, where the clever rabbit Bugs Bunny would sarcastically refer to his hapless hunter adversary, Elmer Fudd, as "nimrod," mocking his lack of hunting skill. This sarcastic usage was adopted by audiences and eventually became the dominant meaning.
Noun
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(Old Testament) a famous hunter
