nancy
Nancy (noun) means a dated, derogatory slang term for an effeminate man. Example: “The insult "nancy boy" sounds badly outdated now.”
How to Use Nancy
Learner’s notesThe slang sense is dated and offensive; the given name and place name are neutral.
Word Forms
nancies plural, nancys plural, Nancys plural, Nancies plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The insult "_____ boy" sounds badly outdated now.
Etymology
From "Nancy," a pet form of the names Agnes and Anne.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for nancy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “nancy” mean?
The word “nancy” means a dated, derogatory slang term for an effeminate man.
How do you pronounce “nancy”?
“Nancy” is pronounced NAN-see (/ˈnænsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “nancy” in a sentence?
Here is “nancy” used in a sentence: “The insult "nancy boy" sounds badly outdated now.”
What part of speech is “nancy”?
Depending on how it is used, “nancy” can be a noun and a name.
Is “nancy” a common word?
“Nancy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nancy” have?
“Nancy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dated, derogatory slang term for an effeminate man.
What is the difference between Nancy as a name and nancy as a slang word?
Capitalised, Nancy is a female given name and also the name of a city in north-eastern France. Written in lower case, nancy is a dated, derogatory slang term for an effeminate man, so context and capitalisation usually make the intended meaning clear.
Is it offensive to call someone a nancy?
Yes. As a noun, nancy is a derogatory slang term aimed at an effeminate man, and it is considered dated and insulting. It is best avoided in modern speech and writing.
Are nancy and nancy boy the same thing?
They overlap in meaning, as both are dated, disparaging slang for an effeminate man. Nancy is the shorter form, while nancy boy is the fuller expression, but both carry the same insulting tone and are best avoided.