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nervous Nellie

noun, often capitalized 1st N
nervous Nel·​lie | \ -ˈne-lē How to pronounce nervous Nellie (audio) \
variants: or nervous Nelly
plural nervous Nellies

Definition of nervous Nellie

: a timid or worrisome person
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Synonyms for nervous Nellie

Synonyms

handwringer, worrier, worrywart

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Examples of nervous Nellie in a Sentence

My sister is a real nervous Nellie when it comes to flying. many new parents are nervous Nellies when it comes to the health of their babies

First Known Use of nervous Nellie

1926, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for nervous Nellie

from the name Nellie

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More Definitions for nervous Nellie

nervous Nellie

noun
How to pronounce nervous Nellie (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of nervous Nellie

US, informal : a very fearful or nervous person

See the full definition for nervous Nellie in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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