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dummy

Hello,
In the story parents are talking to a child "What are you looking for, dummy?"
I don't think it means stupid person in this context.Does this word have another meaning?
Thanks
In the only google-contexts I can find for this sentence - such as this one - dummy does indeed mean 'stupid'.

Is your context different?
Not that I know of, no. Why do you think it can't mean "stupid"?
I don't take offense when my mom calls me a dummy. It's not a particularly strong insult.
Yes, this is the book 'World According to Garp', but i really cannot get the meaning.
Could it be silent person?
No, it means "stupid"👁 Smile :)


As xqby says....
Dummy is the British equivalent of the word pacifier in American English. It's possible that a word was missing from the original sentence: an implied your. (Sometimes, words are left out of sentences because we're speaking too quickly, or maybe the word was spoken so softly that it cannot be heard.) Thus, it might be possible that the parents are asking if the child is looking for his pacifier.

"What are you looking for, (your) dummy/pacifier?"
Dummy is the British equivalent of the word pacifier in American English. It's possible that a word was missing from the original sentence: an implied your. (Sometimes, words are left out of sentences because we're speaking too quickly, or maybe the word was spoken so softly that it cannot be heard.) Thus, it might be possible that the parents are asking if the child is looking for his pacifier.

"What are you looking for, (your) dummy/pacifier?"

I don't think so-- the author of the book is American.

I agree that the word isn't a strong insult, but according to the tone, this parent-to-child use of it is probably not meant to be insulting or even serious-- it's a form of joshing. (making gentle, friendly fun of each other)
Using dummy as a mild insult or demeaning reference (concerning stupidity) is entirely appropriate for this book and its general tone. I'm sure that's the correct meaning.
I agree that the 'idiot' meaning is the most likely interpretation. Is it not possible for parents to speak to children like that in Russia, belissimo? It is not necessarily used in a demeaning and sneering fashion. Sometimes insulting words can be used affectionately.

The other interpretations (child's soother, mannequin) seem unlikely.
I agree that the 'idiot' meaning is the most likely interpretation. Is it not possible for parents to speak to children like that in Russia, belissimo? It is not necessarily used in a demeaning and sneering fashion. Sometimes insulting words can be used affectionately.

The other interpretations (child's soother, mannequin) seem unlikely.
Thanks Natkretep, parents do say differenet words to their children in Russia, but not being a native speaker i don't feel the nuances if the words.
And i appriciate such a forum exists where i can ask questions.👁 Smile :)
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