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”)

Example Sentences

Revealing men like Miller for who he is—an anxious scaredy-cat dweeb—helps dispel some of the mythology that this administration is trying to create.

Read more on Slate

“Wow, Althea. Little noises got you nervous? Guess you’re the scaredy-cat you always were.”

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Use direct language, not couched in scaredy-cat false equivalence, about the dangers of a second Trump presidency.

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During wilderness orientation in Canada, Naomi said she was the "biggest scaredy-cat - I vocalised my nerves" and thinks this made others write her off.

Read more on BBC

“Ava’s a scaredy-cat of any loud noises,” said Rori Chang, who was there with her golden retriever.

Read more on Seattle Times

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.