Nonny

/ˈnɑni/ noun

Definition

A nonsense word or a term of endearment (informal); sometimes used in old folk songs as a rhythmic filler.

Etymology

Likely derived from nursery language and nonsense traditions. Used in British folk songs like 'Hey Nonny Nonny' from Elizabethan times as a playful refrain.

Kelly Says

'Nonny' appears in Shakespeare-era folk songs as a purely silly, fun sound—it reminds us that languages have always had playful, meaningless words just for the joy of saying them!

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