What does meanie mean?
A meanie is an unkind, spiteful person, particularly a child who is being troublesome, cruel, or exceptionally difficult. The word is informal and commonly used in family, school, and casual conversation. It often appears in phrases such as “a little meanie” and “what a meanie,” which can make it sound more like affectionate teasing than a serious accusation. Meanie also functions as a familiar, slightly childish label, so its use in a classroom or among friends may soften the criticism. Nevertheless, when directed seriously at another person, it can express genuine annoyance or hostility. Unlike the standard adjective mean, which can describe a person, action, or motive, meanie specifically names a person and usually emphasizes objectionable behavior. It is a vivid term for describing someone perceived as unkind, especially within a familiar social setting.
nounAn unkind, mean-spirited person, especially a child regarded as cruel, spiteful, or difficult.
- An unkind or spiteful person, especially a child.
"I won't let the little meanie take my place at the table."
"Her younger brother may be a meanie, but he never hurts the animals."
"Give the class a minute to settle down before addressing the little meanie near the window."
The regular plural is meanies.
"The meanies apologized for hiding her shoes."
Sometimes “meanie” is an insult; at other times, it is the teasing label a friend gives someone who is being especially mischievous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meanie come from?
Meanie is formed from the adjective mean in the sense “unkind” or “spiteful,” together with the familiar suffix -ie. Mean descends from Old English mǣne, meaning “evil, malicious, or cruel,” while -ie gives the modern word its diminutive and often dismissive tone. Related forms such as meanness and meanly continue to use the same adjective, and demean ultimately incorporates the same older word through Old French.
How meanie is actually used
Informal and usually dismissive. It is most often used of children and can express genuine anger, playful teasing, or mock exaggeration depending on context and tone.
Easily confused with meanie
Mean is the standard adjective describing unkind or spiteful behavior, while meanie is an informal noun for a mean person, often a child.