Dummy

Part of Speech

Noun, Adjective, Verb (informal, sometimes derogatory)

Pronunciation

/ˈdʌm.i/ (English - US, UK)

Definitions

• (Noun) A model or replica of a person, used for training or display purposes.
• (Noun) A person regarded as unintelligent or slow.
• (Noun) A fake or substitute item.
• (Adjective) Not real; intended only as a substitute.
• (Verb) To create a mock-up or simulation of something.

Usage Examples

• "The crash test dummy was used for safety experiments."
• "Stop acting like a dummy and pay attention."
• "He handed me a dummy phone as a prank."

Etymology

From Middle English "dumm" meaning silent or mute, derived from Old Norse "dumbr," related to Old High German "tumb" (stupid, mute).

Synonyms

• Model
• Fool
• Decoy
• Imitation

Antonyms

• Genuine
• Intelligent
• Authentic

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• US: /ˈdʌm.i/
• UK: /ˈdʌm.i/
• Australia: /ˈdʌm.i/ (often used to mean "pacifier")

Historical Usage

The term "dummy" was originally used to describe mute individuals but evolved to mean a replica or unintelligent person. It has been used in crash testing, military drills, and as a derogatory term.

Cultural Nuances

In British English, "dummy" can refer to a baby pacifier. In American English, it often means an unintelligent person or a training model. The word is also used in sports, such as "dummy pass" in rugby.

More Information

The word "dummy" has been used in literature, advertising, and science. It plays a key role in industries such as automobile safety testing and puppet shows. While it can be offensive in some contexts, it is widely used in casual speech and technical applications.