noddy

nod·dy  (nd)

n. pl. nod·dies

1. A dunce or fool; a simpleton.

2. Any of several terns of the genera Anous and Micranous, found in tropical waters and having a dark brown or black color with a white or gray head.

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[Perhaps from obsolete noddy, foolish, possibly from nod.]

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noddy¹

n pl -dies

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any of several tropical terns of the genus Anous, esp A. stolidus (common noddy), typically having a dark plumage

2. a fool or dunce

[perhaps noun use of obsolete noddy foolish, drowsy, perhaps from nod (vb); the bird is so called because it allows itself to be caught by hand]

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noddy²

n pl -dies

(Communication Arts / Broadcasting) (usually plural) Television film footage of an interviewer's reactions to comments made by an interviewee, used in editing the interview after it has been recorded

[from nod]

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noddy³

adj

Informal very easy to use or understand; simplistic

[origin unknown]