Etymology
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wimp (n.)

1920 (but not attested again until 1960), perhaps a clipped form of whimper (cf whimp, 1540s), perhaps influenced by J. Wellington Wimpy, comparatively unaggressive character in "Popeye" comics.

wimp (v.)

1986, with out (adv.), from wimp (n.). Related: Wimped; wimping.

updated on January 17, 2013

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