Mimsy describes one who is rather feeble, unhappy or affected. Mimsy is a rather delightful word created and used by Lewis Carroll inThe Jabberwocky. In Through the Looking-Glass Humpty-Dumpty explains that mimsy is a blend of the words flimsy and miserable thus meaning unhappy. Mimsy is known by other spellings, most notably mimzy or mimsey but mimsy is by far my favorite way to spell it.
Mimsy is thought by some to be a nonce word, but I think that is utter nonsense (you totally see what I did there). Mimsy is by far a word with more than a singular use, I mean to describe one as being in a mimsy sort of mood is simply too much fun! Or perhaps you could say that someone who is acting prim, miserable and stick-in-the-muddish is being all mimsy.
“Oh drat!” though a much more adult Alice “My mood is as mimsy as the borogoves (what stupid birds they are) and that simply will not do, though how I am to fix it is a bit of a puzzle. I suppose I ought to think of a few impossible things and try to change my mood around.”
Mimsy is such a charmingly amusing word and it’s a reminder that language can and should be fun. I mean, yes I suppose there is a certain seriousness to communication and what is proper and whatnot, but it should be enjoyable and witty and even a bit absurd too! What do you think?
Namaste ~ Ella
*Check out the Word Nerd Index and my Word Nerd Pinterest Board for other superb words!
** If there’s a word you’d like to see added to the Word Nerd roster, please feel free to contact me or suggest it in the comments – I love feedback and recommendations!
Lawhimsy 
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