Nervous Nellie
Perpetually anxious person
A nervous Nellie is someone excessively timid, anxious, or prone to worry—especially about things that may not warrant such concern.
The term carries a gently mocking tone, suggesting the person's fears are overblown: Don't be such a nervous Nellie—the presentation will be fine.
Sometimes spelled as one word or without capitals.
Troubled by uncertainty
- jitteryAnxiously restless
- tenseStrained or nervous
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
edgy · restless · fidgety · stressed · agitated · overwrought · panicky · fretful
Lacking courage or confidence
fainthearted · timorous · cautious · overcautious · risk-averse · indecisive · wavering · tentative
Without bravery or nerve
- spinelessLacking courage or resolve
- weak-kneedLacking resolve or courage
- sissyPejorative for effeminate male
- scaredy-catOverly timid person
fraidy-cat · yellow-bellied · lily-livered · wimp · milquetoast · namby-pamby · pushover · doormat
anxious
Troubled by uncertainty
- jitteryAnxiously restless
- tenseStrained or nervous
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
uneasy · edgy · restless · fidgety · stressed · agitated · overwrought · panicky · fretful · worrywart
timid
Lacking courage or confidence
hesitant · fainthearted · timorous · cautious · overcautious · risk-averse · indecisive · wavering · tentative · skittish
cowardly
Without bravery or nerve
- spinelessLacking courage or resolve
- weak-kneedLacking resolve or courage
- sissyPejorative for effeminate male
scaredy-cat · fraidy-cat · yellow-bellied · lily-livered · wimp · milquetoast · namby-pamby · pushover · doormat · jellyfish
high-strung
Nervously sensitive temperament
Nervous Nelliedaredevil
Reckless risk-taker
risk-taker · thrill-seeker · adrenaline junkie · Evel Knievel · nerves of steel
Nervous Nelliesteady Eddie
Unfailingly consistent person
ice man · rock · stoic · nerves of steel · grace under pressure
nervous, nervously, nervousness, nerve, nerves, nerved, nerving, nerveless, nervy