Nervous Nellie
Definition
A person who worries unduly or is foolishly fearful.
Origin
The term seemingly originated in the late 1920s, making headway due to Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg (1925-1929). The usage expanded to describe any person displaying such qualities, regardless of gender. For instance, in a review of “Acis and Galatea,” a nervous Acis was described as being much like a “Nervous Nellie” (Boston Globe, Nov. 23, 2004).
Synonyms
- Worrywart
- Scaredy-cat
- Alarmist
- Pessimist
- Fretter
Antonyms
- Braveheart
- Daredevil
- Optimist
- Stoic
- Nonchalant
Similar Terms and Expressions
- Worrywart: Coined during WWII, meaning someone who worries excessively.
- Chicken Little: A character who always thinks the sky is falling, symbolizing needless worry.
Humorous Quote
“I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.” – Margaret Thatcher, known to navigate political waves with calm pragmatism.
Proverbs
- “Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”
- “Today’s mighty oak was yesterday’s nut that held its ground.”
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway - The protagonist exemplifies persistent determination over nagging doubts.
- Song: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin – A cheerful call to abandon unnecessary worries.
- Poem: “If” by Rudyard Kipling - Teaches resilience and steadiness.
- Movie: Bridge of Spies - Tom Hanks stays cool under pressure, despite dire circumstances.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
“Life is ten percent what happens to us and ninety percent how we react to it. As we navigate through these clichés, let’s transform our inner ‘Nervous Nellie’ into a beacon of calm wisdom.”
### Which term is synonymous with 'Nervous Nellie'?
- [x] Worrywart
- [ ] Daredevil
- [ ] Pragmatist
- [ ] Stoic
> **Explanation:** "Worrywart" is another term for someone who worries excessively, much like a 'Nervous Nellie.'
### Which of these fits the description of a 'Nervous Nellie'?
- [ ] Someone who jumps into challenges without a second thought
- [x] Someone who worries excessively about trivial matters
- [ ] Someone who discounts worry entirely and remains untroubled
- [ ] Someone who navigates worry with calm wisdom
> **Explanation:** 'Nervous Nellies' are characterized by undue fretting and excessive concern about mostly trivial matters.
### True or False: 'Nervous Nellie' originally referred only to women.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Despite the feminine connotations of 'Nellie,' the term referred to both genders right from its coinage when associated with Frank B. Kellogg.
### Which phrase conveys someone who rejects worry entirely?
- [ ] Nervous Nellie
- [ ] Worrywart
- [ ] Scarer-Crow
- [x] Nonchalant Navigator
> **Explanation:** A 'Nonchalant Navigator' remains unfrazzled and unperturbed, quite the opposite of a 'Nervous Nellie.'
