How Do You Spell SPOONEY?

Pronunciation: [spˈuːnɪ] (IPA)

The word "Spooney" is spelled with two O's, indicating a long U sound in the first syllable, like "spoon". The second syllable is pronounced with a soft E sound, like "nee", and the stress is on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Spooney" is /ˈspuːni/, with the phonemes /s/, /p/, /uː/, /n/, and /i/. This term is an old-fashioned word for someone who is excessively sentimental or foolishly romantic, and is not commonly used in modern language.

SPOONEY Meaning and Definition

1. Spooney is an adjective that refers to someone who is excessively sentimental, foolishly infatuated, or overly romantic. The term is often used to describe a person who becomes foolishly infatuated or obsessed with someone or something, typically in a romantic or emotional context. In this sense, spooney can be synonymous with lovesick, smitten, or infatuated.

   The word spooney originated back in the 18th century, derived from the obsolete term spooneysong, which referred to a love ballad or a sentimental song. Over time, the term evolved to describe a person who is easily captivated by feelings of love or sentimentality to the point of being foolish or irrational.

   A spooney individual is often seen as lost in their own emotions, allowing their infatuations or romantic desires to take precedence over reason. They may blindly pursue a romantic interest without considering the consequences or the other person's feelings. Additionally, spooney individuals are often prone to overly sentimental gestures, expressions of affection, or carrying out unrealistically grand romantic gestures in order to win someone's love or attention.

   While the term spooney can carry a negative connotation, it can also be used in a more lighthearted or endearing manner to describe someone who is hopelessly romantic or displays excessive fondness for whimsical notions of love or romance.

2. A half-witted foolish person.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SPOONEY

• apooney
• zpooney
• xpooney
• dpooney
• epooney
• wpooney
• soooney
• slooney
• s0ooney
• spkoney
• sploney
• spponey
• sp0oney
• sp9oney
• spoiney
• spokney
• spolney
• sooney
• Sxooney

Etymology of SPOONEY

The word "spooney" has an interesting etymology. It originated in 18th-century England and was primarily used to describe someone who is foolishly or excessively sentimental, particularly in matters of love or courtship. The exact origin of the word is uncertain, but there are a few possible explanations.

One theory suggests that "spooney" might derive from the word "swoon", meaning to faint or become overwhelmed with emotion. In this context, "spooney" could be seen as a playful variation or extension of "swoon", emphasizing the sentimental or over-the-top aspects of someone's behavior.

Another theory proposes that "spooney" might be a corruption of the word "spoon", which was once used as slang for a simpleton or a person easily influenced by others.