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meanie

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /mˈiːni/

US

  • /mˈiːni/

Description

A "meanie" is someone who is mean, unkind, or nasty to other people. The word is informal and is often used by children or in a playful way by adults. It can describe a bully, someone who says hurtful things, or someone who leaves others out on purpose. Sometimes people use it jokingly, but it usually points to behavior that feels unfair or hurtful. In stories like Cinderella, the stepmother and stepsisters could easily be called meanies.

Examples

  1. 1

    Child's insult

    Liam grabbed the last cookie, and his little sister called him a meanie.

  2. 2

    Sharing

    Don't be such a meanie; let your brother have a turn.

  3. 3

    Playful teasing

    I was only joking when I said you were a meanie.

    • Usage

      meanie often sounds childish or playful

  4. 4

    Bullying

    The older kids acted like meanies and laughed at his new shoes.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • meanienoun