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