nancy
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for nancy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A dated, derogatory slang term for an effeminate man.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From "Nancy," a pet form of the names Agnes and Anne.
Full origin of 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Here is “nancy” used in a sentence: “The insult "nancy boy" sounds badly outdated now.”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.