rumpty
See also: Rumpty
English
editPronunciation
editEtymology 1
edit(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Interjection
editrumpty
- A nonsense word, especially in simple or childish songs.
- 2009, Patricia Reilly Giff, “chapter 6”, in Nory Ryan's Song:
- I sang it through, "Rumpty tumpty toddy man," as Granda thumped his blackthorn stick against the floor and everyone laughed.
- 2010, Dawn Dalglish, Jacob's World, page 127:
- […] he heard a distant sound, or song, behind him. "Rumpty didily dum. Rumpty dididly doo. Rumpty doo doo dumpty didily rumpty didily dum."
Related terms
editEtymology 2
edit(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Adjective
editrumpty (comparative more rumpty, superlative most rumpty)
- (New Zealand) Of a quality below standard; in a state of disrepair.
- 2000, Nigel Cox, Skylark Lounge, page 12:
- I lived in a fringe of the city, down Happy Valley Road, in a bit of a rumpty palace of a house banged together by some DIY no-hoper.
Synonyms
edit- (below standard): dilapidated, run down
Related terms
editTranslations
editbelow standard; in a state of disrepair