nelly Synonyms
Another word for nelly
• noun (Context 1)
A foolish, silly, timid, or overly anxious person (especially in the phrase 'nervous nelly').
"Don't be such a nervous worrywart; the bridge is completely safe to cross."
• noun (Context 2)
A giant petrel (genus Macronectes), a large seabird of the southern oceans having dark plumage and a heavy hooked bill.
"The sailors watched a giant giant petrel gliding effortlessly over the rough waves of the Southern Ocean."
• noun (Context 3)
An effeminate man, especially an overtly effeminate gay man (often derogatory slang).
"The older novel contained dated slang terms like sissy that are rarely used in polite conversation today."
• adjective (Context 4)
Overtly effeminate, camp, or timid in manner (often used disparagingly in slang).
"The actor gave a deliberately camp and effeminate performance in the comedic play."
Opposites of nelly
The opposite of nelly shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: