dummy
UK: ˈdʌmi | US: ˈdʌmi
n. 1. A model or replica of a human figure, used for display, practice, or testing.
n. 2. A person who is silent or unresponsive, often deliberately.
n. 3. (Informal) A stupid or foolish person.
adj. 1. Imitation; not real (e.g., dummy bullets).
The word "dummy" originates from the late 16th century, derived from "dumb" (Old English dumb, meaning "mute" or "silent") + the noun-forming suffix "-y." Initially, it referred to a silent person or a figure incapable of speech (e.g., a ventriloquist's dummy). Over time, it expanded to mean imitation objects (e.g., dummy grenades) and, colloquially, a foolish person—playing on the idea of lack of intelligence or voice.
The crash test used a dummy to simulate human impact.
He remained a dummy during the interrogation, refusing to answer.
Don’t be such a dummy—read the instructions carefully!
The store displayed a dummy wearing the latest fashion.
The soldiers trained with dummy rifles for safety.