scaredy-cat

[skair-dee-kat]

noun

Informal.

1. fraidy-cat.

scaredy-cat

/ ˈskɛədɪˌkæt /

noun

1. informal,  someone who is easily frightened

Word History and Origins

Origin of scaredy-cat¹

First recorded in 1930–35; scared ( def. ) + -y ² + cat ( def. ) (in the slang sense “person, man”)

Related Words

• coward 
• crybaby 
• pushover 

When To Use

What does scaredy-cat mean?

A scaredy-cat is a person who is easily frightened.Scaredy-cat is very informal and is most often used by children. It is synonymous with fraidy-cat.Example: He won’t go into the haunted house because he’s a scaredy-cat.