namby-pambies
Overly sensitive softies
Namby-pambies is the plural of namby-pamby—people considered weak, indecisive, or excessively sentimental.
The term carries dismissive contempt: He called the protesters a bunch of namby-pambies.
It suggests someone lacking backbone or toughness, often used by those who pride themselves on being direct or resilient.
Lacking determination or resolve
- milquetoastMeek, unassertive person
- wishy-washyLacking firmness or decisiveness
- jellyfishDrifting marine stinger
- pushoverEasily defeated opponent
doormat · wimp · wuss · softie · wet noodle · invertebrate · limp · boneless
Without bravery or nerve
- faintheartedCowardly, easily discouraged
- fearfulFull of fright
- timorousShowing nervous apprehension
- mousyShy and unassertive
meek · bashful · apprehensive · shrinking · nervous · skittish · anxious · squeamish
Not actively participating
- compliantYielding to others' wishes
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- deferentialShowing humble submission
- acquiescentAccepting without resistance
meek · yielding · obedient · unassertive · servile · sycophantic · obsequious · bootlicking
Prolonged indecisive hesitation
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- hesitantSlow to act
- vacillatingSwaying between choices
- irresoluteLacking firmness of purpose
wishy-washy · shilly-shallying · flip-flopping · waffling · fence-sitting · uncommitted · blowing hot and cold · of two minds
weak-willed
Lacking determination or resolve
- milquetoastMeek, unassertive person
- wishy-washyLacking firmness or decisiveness
- jellyfishDrifting marine stinger
pushover · doormat · wimp · wuss · softie · wet noodle · invertebrate · limp · boneless · pliable
cowardly
Without bravery or nerve
- faintheartedCowardly, easily discouraged
- fearfulFull of fright
- timorousShowing nervous apprehension
mousy · meek · bashful · apprehensive · shrinking · nervous · skittish · anxious · squeamish · craven
passive
Not actively participating
- compliantYielding to others' wishes
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- deferentialShowing humble submission
acquiescent · meek · yielding · obedient · unassertive · servile · sycophantic · obsequious · bootlicking · toadying
dithering
Prolonged indecisive hesitation
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- hesitantSlow to act
- vacillatingSwaying between choices
irresolute · wishy-washy · shilly-shallying · flip-flopping · waffling · fence-sitting · uncommitted · blowing hot and cold · of two minds
feeble
Weak and ineffective
- impotentLacking power or efficacy
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
- ineptLacking skill or competence
useless · helpless · toothless · ineffective · weak · pathetic · limp-wristed · wet · feckless · futile
namby-pambiestough guys
Intimidating, resilient individuals
toughies · bruisers · hard cases · he-men · macho men
namby-pambiesgo-getters
Ambitiously proactive people
movers and shakers · doers · firebrands · dynamos · fireballs