scaredy

English

Etymology

Back-formation from scaredy-cat, equivalent to scared +‎ -y.

Adjective

scaredy (comparative more scaredy, superlative most scaredy)

1. (informal) Characterised by being timorous or afraid.
   • 1992, Penguin Books, Scaredy Kitten:

     Prescott's sister calls him a scaredy kitten because he's afraid of the dark.

   • 1994, Stephen H. Lemberg, Scaredy dog:

     "Wait, Rufus!" cried the child. "Are you afraid of a bunny rabbit? You are such a scaredy dog!

   • 2007, Chris McMahen, Klutzhood, page 64:

     “Yeah! They're scaredy chickens!” Rocko said. “It's scaredy cats, you lunkhead!” Pinball said.

Related terms

• scaredy pants

 

Noun

scaredy (plural scaredies)

1. (informal) A coward.