[Ads-l] Nimrod?

[Steven Losie]

John Baker pushed the ironic/foolish sense of "nimrod" back to 1889 on this
list a few years ago, with an additional ironic usage in 1903:
https://listserv.linguistlist.org/pipermail/ads-l/2018-October/153180.html

Here are a few subsequent usages that appear to pour cold water on the
claim that the ironic/sarcastic sense originated with Looney Tunes:

[begin quote]
It also throws some light upon the mystery of one bunny which was brought
in dead, but without a shot in its carcass.

"Here is what happened," says this nimrod. "When that particular rabbit was
stirred out of a clump of grass one of the hunters blazed away, but missed.
Another member of the party took a shot, but it was wide. Then came a
fusilade that sounded like a young world war. In all 18 shots were fired at
that poor cottontail, but not one took effect. Then the dogs saved the day
by capturing bunny."
[end quote]
Source: Pittsburgh Post, 27 Nov 1921, p.24, col.2 (newspapers.com)

[begin quote]
Ye Ed — "What does a nimrod mean?"

Other Ed — "A mighty hunter."

Ye Ed — "Well, a lady friend called me one and I didn't know if that was a
compliment or a slam."

O.E. — "What have you been hunting, Wild Geese?"

Y.E. — "No Titles."

O.E. — "Toitles?"

Now when we come to think of it we guess that is just as good a name for
some of them as any.
[end quote]
Source: Decatur (Ill.) Herald, 21 Oct 1928, p.40, col.6 (newspapers.com)

[begin quote]
NIMROD OF NOTE

It happened in the Cascade mountains. "What," demanded the amateur hunter,
a college professor, of his guide, "what is the name of the species I just
shot?"

"Well, sir," returned the guide, suavely, "I've just been investigating,
and he says his name is Smith."
[end quote]
Source: Lincoln Heights Bulletin-News (Los Angeles, Cal.), 23 Jul 1931,
p.4, col.3 (newspapers.com)

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