dingbat

UK: /ˈdɪŋˌbæt/ US: (ding′bat′)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ding•bat  (ding′bat′), n. 

1. Slang Terms an eccentric, silly, or empty-headed person.
2. dingus.
3. Printing an ornamental piece of type for borders, separators, decorations, etc.
4. an object, as a brick, serving as a missile.

• origin, originally uncertain 1830–40

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

dingbat / ˈdɪŋˌbæt/ noun

1. an eccentric or stupid person
2. a symbol, other than a letter or numeral, used as an ornament or dividing device

Etymology: 19th Century: of unknown origin