rumpty-tumpty

comparative more rumpty-tumpty · superlative most rumpty-tumpty

1. With a lively beat and strong, non-syncopated rhythm; upbeat and bouncy.

   It's a right rumpty-tumpty tune anyway.

   2004, Marion Arnott, "Dollface", in Ed Gorman, Martin H. Greenberg (editors), The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories, Fifth Annual Collection, page 238

   2 more examples

   Well you know, sir, it's very difficult to have a favourite when it's all such jolly, rumpty-tumpty stuff.

   2014, Christopher Joll, The Speedicut Papers: Book 3 (1857-1865): Uncivil Wars, →ISBN, page 314

   I loved poetry in school, especially the rumpty-tumpty kind.

   2014, Marc Alexander, The Dark Domain, →ISBN, page 151

1. A nonsense word, especially in simple or childish songs.

   Rumpty-tumpty, pimplety-pan— / The flubdub courted a catamaran / But timplety-topplety, timpity-tare— / The flubdub wedded the big blue bear!

   1911, Eugene Field, The Holy Cross and Other Tales

1. uncountableNonsense.

   He believes the music should come first because otherwise the words will be nothing more than rumpty-tumpty.

   2001, Benny Green, Dominic Green, Such Sweet Thunder: Benny Green on Jazz, page 237

2. UKeuphemisticslanguncountableSex.

   This female was clearly not up for any rumpty tumpty in the grass, and she bopped her suitor a few times before he got the message and sulkily sloped back to his corner of the field.

   2012, Ellie Bennett, Mud, Sweat and Gears, →ISBN