There is one meaning in OED's entry for the verb zany. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
This word is now obsolete. It is last recorded around the 1890s.
Earliest known use
early 1600s
The earliest known use of the verb zany is in the early 1600s.
OED's earliest evidence for zany is from 1602, in the writing of John Marston, poet and playwright.
It is also recorded as a noun from the late 1500s.
zany is formed within English, by conversion.
Etymons: zany n.
Nearby entries
- Zamzummim, n.1530–
- Zande, n.1873–
- zander, n.1854–
- zanella, n.1876–
- zanily, adv.1936–
- zaniness, n.1933–
- Zante, n.1615–
- Zantedeschia, n.1836–
- ZANU, n.1963–
- zany, n. & adj.1582–
- zany, v.1602–1894
- zanyish, adj.1843–
- zanyism, n.1823–
- zanyship, n.1766–1839
- Zanzibari, n. & adj.1882–
- zap, n.1968–
- zap, v.1942–
- zap, int.1929–
- Zapata, n.1962–
- zapateado, n.1845–
- Zapatism, n.1911–
Formed within English, by conversion.
1602–1894
transitive. To imitate or mimic (a person or thing), esp. in a clumsy or absurd way; =
ape v. 1. Cf.
zany n. A.2b.
1602
Who..Laughes them to scorne, as man doth busie Apes When they will zanie men.
J. Marston, Antonios Reuenge iv. i. sig. G2
a1640
takes his oath..that all excellence In other Madams doe but zany hers.
J. Fletcher et al., Queene of Corinth i. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher, Comedies & Tragedies (1647) sig. Aaaaaa2v/1
1691
Francisco's zanying the Person and Humour of Albano, is an incident in several Plays.
G. Langbaine, Account of English Dramatic Poets 351
1894
If the delicious original be beyond capture, why essay to zany it?
H. Pease, Mark o' Deil Preface 7
transitive. To imitate or mimic (a person or thing), esp. in a clumsy or absurd way; = ape, v. 1. Cf. zany, n. A.2b.
Sometimes with implication of incongruity or of specific purpose: To mimic, counterfeit.
transitive. To ridicule by imitation of speech, manner, or behaviour; to parody. Hence: to imitate or resemble closely; to mimic. Cf. mockingbird, n.
To imitate, mimic. Pretentiously, irrationally, or absurdly.
transitive. To ape the manners of, mimic; to mock, ridicule. Now rare.
transitive. To imitate or copy minutely, uncritically, or servilely, usually so as to emulate or aspire to parity with, and frequently with…
zany, v. was revised in March 2024.
zany, v. was last modified in June 2024.
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