adjective
scaredy
Scaredy (adjective) means Easily frightened; nervous or timid, especially used informally of children or pets. Example: “Their scaredy little dog hides under the bed every time it thunders.”
adjective
1
Easily frightened; nervous or timid, especially used informally of children or pets.
"Their scaredy little dog hides under the bed every time it thunders."
"Don't be so scaredy — it's just a harmless garden spider."
noun
1
An informal, often teasing word for someone who is easily frightened; a coward.
"Stop being such a scaredy and come on the roller coaster with us."
How to use scaredy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual, slightly childish way to call someone (or something) jumpy or afraid, most often heard as part of "scaredy-cat."
When to use it
Very informal — used in casual speech, kids' talk, or light teasing, never in formal writing.
Common pairings
scaredy-cat
a scaredy kid
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Word forms
- Plural
- scaredies
- Comparative
- more scaredy
- Superlative
- most scaredy
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their _____ little dog hides under the bed every time it thunders.
Etymology
Formed by shortening the familiar playground insult "scaredy-cat," itself built from "scared" plus the informal ending "-y."
Rhymes for scaredy
See all rhymes for scaredy →Frequently asked questions
What does “scaredy” mean?
The word “scaredy” means easily frightened; nervous or timid, especially used informally of children or pets. In plain terms, a casual, slightly childish way to call someone (or something) jumpy or afraid, most often heard as part of "scaredy-cat.".
How do you use “scaredy” in a sentence?
Here is “scaredy” used in a sentence: “Their scaredy little dog hides under the bed every time it thunders.”
What part of speech is “scaredy”?
Depending on how it is used, “scaredy” can be an adjective and a noun.
How many meanings does “scaredy” have?
“Scaredy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: easily frightened; nervous or timid, especially used informally of children or pets.
