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dingbat

Pronunciation: /ˈdɪŋbat/

Definition of dingbat

noun

informal

1North American & Australian/NZ a stupid or eccentric person.

2 (dingbats) Australian/NZ delusions or feelings of unease, particularly those induced by delirium tremens.

3a typographical device other than a letter or numeral (such as an asterisk), used to signal divisions in text or to replace letters in a euphemistically presented vulgar word.

Origin:

mid 19th century (in early use applied to various vaguely specified objects): origin uncertain; perhaps based on ding². dingbat (sense 2) is probably by association with have bats in the belfry