Where Did Balmy Come from?

Where Did Balmy Come from?
★ Key Takeaways

Balmy (Adj.) Figurative Use for "Soft and Soothing" Dates from C. 1600; of Breezes, Air, Etc. "Mild, Fragrant" (Combining Both Earlier Senses) It Is First Attested 1704. Meaning "Weak-Minded, Idiotic," 1851, Is from London Slang, Perhaps by Confusion with Barmy.

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Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

Balmy (Adj.) Figurative Use for "Soft and Soothing" Dates from C. 1600; of Breezes, Air, Etc. "Mild, Fragrant" (Combining Both Earlier Senses) It Is First Attested 1704. Meaning "Weak-Minded, Idiotic," 1851, Is from London Slang, Perhaps by Confusion with Barmy.

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Maya Lin-Takahashi
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Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.