adjective
scaredy
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
Word Forms
more scaredy comparative, scaredies plural, most scaredy superlative
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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."