| 例句 |
nimrod noun 1.•a secluded paradise for anglers and nimrods. See hunter. 2.informal •the kids we used to think of as nimrods are now the leaders of our local industry. See nerd. USAGE nimrod According to all the standard dictionaries, this word means “a skillful hunter.” The term derives from the name of a king of Shinar (Southern Babylonia)—that is, King Nimrod, who is described in Genesis as a mighty hunter. And the word is often used in this traditional sense—e.g.: “Some sportsmen, of course, would say Mealey has a fatal flaw. .. . Nimrods and anglers believe he's too cozy with groups as varied as ranchers, miners, loggers and even environmentalists.” ( Spokesman-Review [Spokane]; Aug. 5, 1997.) In late-twentieth-century slang, though, the word has come to mean “a simpleton; dunderhead; blockhead”—e.g.: • “Hey all you mack daddies (cool guys) out there: if you don't want to sound like a nimrod (geek) on your next trip to kili cali (Southern California), don't get all petro (worried).” ( Washington Post; July 20, 1997.) • “V.P. Marketing: ‘You'd call Messier that to his face?’ Quinn: ‘No, I'm calling it to yours, ya nimrod.’ ” ( Financial Post [Canada]; July 31, 1997.) Though this sense isn't recorded in most standard dictionaries, it certainly exists and is well known among the younger generations. For now, it remains slang. But it surely threatens to kill off the hunter sense.Usage notes show additional guidance on finer points of English usage. |