# Nellie

/ˈnɛɫi/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nellie
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who is very nervous or worries too much about small things. You usually use it in the phrase 'nervous Nellie' to describe someone who is afraid to take risks.

For teachers: a person perceived as being overly timid, anxious, or cautious. Primarily used in the idiomatic expression 'nervous Nellie' to denote a lack of courage or excessive worry.

## Examples

- Don't be such a nervous Nellie; the flight will be fine.
- The manager was a bit of a nervous Nellie, constantly checking the security cameras even when the shop was empty.
- While some viewed his constant double-checking as professional diligence, others dismissed him as a nervous Nellie who lacked the confidence to lead the team through a crisis.

## Usage notes

- Commonly appears in the fixed idiomatic phrase 'nervous Nellie'.

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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.