Neddy

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term for a horse or pony, often used in a colloquial context
2. A nickname for a whimsical or silly person, deriving from historical uses of the term
3. Refers to a character in literature or jokes that embodies foolishness or simplicity

Etymology: Ned is an old diminutive of Edward, and adding the suffix "-y" to a pet form like that was a common way of making a nickname. "Neddy" in this sense therefore began as a playful, affectionate label, built on a familiar name rather than on any grand root. The word's sense of a silly or whimsical person is a later extension of that nickname-style use. A second line of descent runs through "netty," a variant form that produced the same sense, so the term has more than one route into its current meaning. Some accounts also link the word to "Kennedy," but that connection is uncertain and should be treated as a guess rather than established fact.

Synonyms: donkey, ass, mule, burro, jackass

Antonyms: INVALID