balmy
English
WOTD – 6 October 2009
Etymology
balm + -y. Doublet of balsamic.
Pronunciation
- (UK, US) IPA(key): /ˈbɑː.mi/
Audio (AU) (file) - Rhymes: -ɑːmi
Adjective
balmy (comparative balmier, superlative balmiest)
- Producing balm.
- Soothing or fragrant.
- Of weather, mild and pleasant.
- (informal, US) Foolish; slightly crazy or mad; eccentric.
- Synonym: (UK) barmy
- 1958 April 1, Roald Dahl, “Parson's Pleasure”, in Esquire, page 148:
- 'I reckon he's balmy,' Claud said, and Bert grinned darkly, rolling his misty eye slowly round in its socket.
Translations
soothing or fragrant
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mild and pleasant
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colloquial: foolish
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Anagrams
- lamby