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Dec 3, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—N

Namby Pamby Philips

Ambrose Philips (1671-1749). His nickname was bestowed upon him by Harry Carey, the dramatist, for his verses addressed to Lord Carteret's children, and was adopted by Pope. This was not John Philips, author of the Splendid Shilling. “Namby” is a baby way of pronouncing Ambrose, and “Pamby” is a jingling reduplication.

Macaulay says: “This sort of verse has been called [Namby Pamby] after the name of its author.”

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Name
Nama
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Namby Pamby Philips from Infoplease:

  • Namby Pamby Philips - Namby Pamby Philips Ambrose Philips (1671-1749). His nickname was bestowed upon him by Harry Carey, ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: N - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "N"
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