Very small, weak, or insignificant; lacking in size, power, or importance.
From French 'puîné' meaning 'younger' or 'junior,' used to describe younger children or those of lower rank. The word evolved to mean physically small, then generally weak or insignificant.
The word 'puny' originally meant 'younger-born' but somehow flipped to mean 'weak'—probably because younger kids were smaller—showing how words can completely change meaning based on assumed connections!
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