Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.
PUNY
puny, runty, shrimpy
(adjective) (used especially of persons) of inferior size
puny
(adjective) inferior in strength or significance; “a puny physique”; “puny excuses”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adjective
puny (comparative punier, superlative puniest)
Of inferior size, strength or significance; small, weak, ineffective.
Synonyms
• See also scrawny
Noun
puny (plural punies)
(obsolete, Oxford University slang) A new pupil at a school etc.; a junior student.
(obsolete) A younger person.
(obsolete) A beginner, a novice.
(archaic) An inferior person; a subordinate.
Synonyms
• (new pupil): fresher, freshman, new bug, novi (Tonbridge School), shadow (Westminster School)
• (beginner): newb, rookie, tenderfoot; see also beginner
• (subordinate): junior, underling, vassal
Source: Wiktionary
Pu"ny, a. [Compar. Punier; superl. Puniest.] Etym: [F. puîté younger, later born, OF. puisné; puis afterwards (L. post; see Post-) + né born, L. natus. See Natal, and cf. Puisne.]
Definition: Imperfectly developed in size or vigor; small and feeble; inferior; petty. A puny subject strikes at thy great glory. Shak. Breezes laugh to scorn our puny speed. Keble.
Pu"ny, n.
Definition: A youth; a novice. [R.] Fuller.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
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Word of the Day
2 April 2025
COVERT
(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”
Coffee Trivia
