nervous Nellie

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a constantly nervous, worried, or timid person.

---

nervous Nellie Idioms  

1. An unduly timid or anxious person, as in He's a real nervous Nellie, calling the doctor about every little symptom. This term does not allude to a particular person named Nellie; rather, the name was probably chosen for the sake of alliteration. [Colloquial; c. 1920]

---

Etymology

Origin of nervous Nellie

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Finally, for a moment, the nervous Nellie replaced anxiety with happiness.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2022

As a supporter of gay marriage who is also a nervous Nellie, I’m kind of terrified.

From Slate • Dec. 7, 2012

“Seth and I have had arguments where I’m the nervous Nellie, and he’s pushing the envelope,” said Mike Dunn, the president of Fox’s home entertainment unit.

From New York Times • Jul. 19, 2010

“I’m nervous Nellie and would rather have extra protection,” said Gloria Hogue, who lives on the river in a subdivision just south of Fargo.

From New York Times • Mar. 19, 2010

“Nothing. It’s nothing at all. Just my nervous Nellie ears playing tricks on me. You’re an old fool,” she said to herself as she turned back to the stove.

From "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo