meany: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, colloquial, childish/childlike
Quick answer
What does “meany” mean?
A person who is unkind, petty, or stingy, especially a child who behaves in a bullying or selfish way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is unkind, petty, or stingy, especially a child who behaves in a bullying or selfish way.
A mildly derogatory term for someone who acts in a mean, ungenerous, or spiteful manner. Often used in a humorous, teasing, or childish register.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling "meanie" is equally common in both varieties. No significant difference in usage. More common in informal spoken contexts than formal writing in both regions.
Connotations
Identical connotations. A slightly dated, nostalgic feel. Evokes playground or sibling teasing.
Frequency
Comparable low frequency in both UK and US. Considered slightly old-fashioned but still understood.
Grammar
How to Use “meany” in a Sentence
Be a meany.Don't be such a meany!You're being a meany.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Highly inappropriate.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in very informal, familial, or playful contexts, often with children. E.g., 'Oh, don't be such a meany—share your sweets!'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meany”
- Spelling as 'meeny' or 'meanie' (both are acceptable variants).
- Using it in a serious adult conflict (register mismatch).
- Overusing it; it has a very narrow contextual fit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct and commonly used. 'Meanie' is perhaps slightly more frequent in modern informal writing.
No, it is not considered rude or offensive. It is a mild, often playful or childish term of rebuke.
Yes, but typically only in very informal, humorous, or sarcastic contexts. Using it seriously between adults would sound immature.
It is exclusively a noun.
A person who is unkind, petty, or stingy, especially a child who behaves in a bullying or selfish way.
Meany is usually informal, colloquial, childish/childlike in register.
Meany: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmiːni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Meany-Minny-Mo (childish variation of 'Eeny, meeny, miny, moe')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"MEANY" sounds like "ME" + "ANY" – think of a selfish child saying, 'It's for ME, not for ANY of you!'
Conceptual Metaphor
MEANNESS IS A CHARACTER LABEL (turning an adjective 'mean' into a noun 'meany' to define a person by that single trait).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'meany' MOST appropriately used?