Nellie

or Nel·ly

[ nel-ee ]

/ ˈnɛl i /

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noun

a female given name, form of Helen.

(often lowercase)Slang.

Offensive. a fussily effeminate male.
Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a gay man.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Nellie

First recorded in 1930–35 for def. 2

How to use Nellie in a sentence

They seem to have only one oar, and Nellies trying to steer with that.
The Outdoor Chums on the Lake|Quincy Allen
Dr. Crossett turned from them delighted at her triumph, but as he turned the look of suffering on little Nellies face sobered him.
Lola|Owen Davis
Why, its Nellies gingham dress; the very one she wore the other day.
The Motor Girls at Lookout Beach|Margaret Penrose
Rose kissed the sad little face, and brushed back the rudely cropped hair, that lay in ringlets on Nellies head.
The Motor Girls at Lookout Beach|Margaret Penrose

Anyhow, the stroke intended for Bobby landed full upon Nellies cheek.
The Girls of Central High at Basketball|Gertrude W. Morrison

Other Idioms and Phrases with Nellie

Nellie

see nervous nellie.