# negative Nancy

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/negative-nancy
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A person who is considered excessively and disagreeably pessimistic.

## Examples

- Don't be such a negative Nancy about the party.
- Every time we suggest a new project, he acts like a negative Nancy and complains about the risks.
- While the team brainstormed innovative solutions, the negative Nancy in the room consistently dismissed every idea as destined for failure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.