Definitions For Barney

Etymology 1

{{unk, en, title=Etymology unknown}}. Often incorrectly thought to be Cockney rhyming slang from "Barney Rubble" ( "trouble", from the character {{w, Barney Rubble}} on {{w, The Flintstones}}), it actually dates back to the 19th century and its origin is unknown.

Noun

BARNEY (plural BARNEYs) (obsolete, UK, slang) A lark, a romp, some fun. (obsolete, UK, slang) A hoax, a humbug, something that is not genuine, a rigged or unfair sporting contest. (obsolete, Harvard University slang) A poor recitation. c. 1810 (UK, Australia) A noisy argument. (UK, Australia) A minor physical fight. (US, _, dialect, Boston) A student at Harvard University.

Adjective

{{en-adjective}} (obsolete, UK, slang) insane crazy, loony.

Synonyms

noisy argument quarrel, row, or fight fisticuffs, scuffle, or

Verb

{{en-verb}} (obsolete, Harvard University slang) To recite badly; to fail. c. 1810 (UK, Australia) To argue, to quarrel.

Synonyms

(argue): bicker, have a barney, row, squabble, or

References

{{cite-book, url=http://archive.org/details/collectionofcoll00halluoft, year=1851, last=Hall, first=Benjamin Homer, title=A Collection of College Words and Customs, page=15}} {{R:Barrere, volume=1, pages=81–82}} {{R:Farmer, volume=1, page=129}}

Etymology 2

From the character {{w, Barney Fife}} on {{w, The Andy Griffith Show}}.

Noun

BARNEY (plural BARNEYs) (United States, pejorative slang) A police officer, usually one perceived as inferior or overzealous.

Synonyms

police officer fed, pig, or

Anagrams

brayne, nearby