Nellie
Americannoun
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a female given name, form of Helen.
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(often lowercase)
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Offensive. a fussily effeminate male.
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Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a gay man.
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Etymology
Origin of Nellie
First recorded in 1930–35 Nellie for def. 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Located at a single Mobil station in Lee Vining, Calif., Whoa Nellie Deli is a culinary haven for Yosemite campers, skiers and travelers driving along U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
In 1993, Kelly joined the cast of EastEnders as Nellie Ellis - the sharp-tongued relative of Pauline Fowler.
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026
Elizabeth Kelly, best known for playing busybody Nellie Ellis in EastEnders, died peacefully in Scarborough on 31 December, her agent Scott Marshall Partners said.
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026
“And she loved to come out here and would stay just across the street at the Desert Inn, which was run by Nellie Coffman.”
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025
He took Nellie, eleven, and Howard, eight, and embarked with all three children on a strange and sad journey.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
