tomnoddy

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A foolish or stupid person: "tomnoddy" is an archaic term referring to a person who is considered simple-minded, silly, or lacking in intelligence.
   • A type of seabird: In ornithology, "tomnoddy" can also refer to the common noddy (Anous stolidus), a tropical seabird known for its seemingly unafraid or "stupid" behavior around humans.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He was such a tomnoddy, always wandering into trouble without a thought. (A foolish person who acts without sense.)
  • The sailors called the bird a tomnoddy because it would land on their ships without fear. (The seabird known for its tame behavior.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play the tomnoddy": to act foolishly or behave in a silly manner.

  • Stop playing the tomnoddy and take this matter seriously. (Cease acting foolishly.)

• "like a tomnoddy": in a foolish or naive way.

  • He stared like a tomnoddy at the magician's trick, completely bewildered. (In a simple-minded, astonished manner.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tomfool (n): a variant spelling or synonym for a foolish person.

  • That tomfool thought he could outrun the train. (A foolish person.)

• Noddy (n): a simpleton or fool; also a type of seabird.

  • Only a noddy would believe such an obvious lie. (A naive person.)

Synonyms

• Simpleton: a person lacking in intelligence or common sense.
• Dunce: a person who is slow at learning.
• Blockhead: a stupid or foolish person.

Related Idioms

• "A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse": an indirect hint is sufficient for someone who is foolish or slow-witted.
  • He explained the joke to the tomnoddy, but a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse. (The foolish person still didn't understand.)

Etymology and Usage Note

• "Tomnoddy" is a compound of "Tom" (a common name used generically for a man) and "noddy" (meaning a fool or simpleton). It is largely obsolete in modern English, found mostly in older literature or as a humorous, archaic insult.