noun
meanie
MEE-nee
noun
1
An unkind or spoilsport person, often used affectionately or as a mild scolding.
"Don't be such a meanie — let your sister play too."
"The kids called their strict babysitter a meanie."
How to Use Meanie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA playful or childish word for someone being unkind or a killjoy.
When to use it
Informal and often used jokingly with children, rather than as a serious insult among adults.
Word Forms
meanies plural
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Etymology
From mean (unkind) plus the informal suffix -ie, in the same pattern as "sweetie" or "softie".