Definition of puny

The word "puny" has a fascinating history. It originated in the 15th century from the Old French word "puny", which means "weak" or "small". This Old French word is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "ponere", meaning "to put" or "to place". In Latin, the word "ponere" was used in phrases such as "ponere in minimis", which literally means "to put in the smallest things". Over time, the French language adapted this phrase to "puny", and the meaning shifted to imply a sense of weakness or inadequacy. When the word "puny" was borrowed into Middle English, it retained this connotation of smallness or insignificance, and has been used in English ever since to describe something or someone that is weak, insignificant, or unimpressive. Despite its evolution, the word "puny" remains a testament to the linguistic connections between French and Latin.