What does “A Scaredy-Cat” mean?
"A Scaredy-Cat" means someone who is easily frightened or afraid.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
My little sister is such a scaredy-cat, she screams at the sight of a spider.
My little sister is such a scaredy-cat, she screams at the sight of a spider.
Example
I don't like watching horror movies with him, he's a total scaredy-cat.
I don't like watching horror movies with him, he's a total scaredy-cat.
Example
Even though he's a grown man, he still acts like a scaredy-cat when it comes to roller coasters
Even though he's a grown man, he still acts like a scaredy-cat when it comes to roller coasters
Is “A Scaredy-Cat” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A Scaredy-Cat” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A Scaredy-Cat” effectively in context?
You can use "A Scaredy-Cat" to describe someone who is easily frightened or afraid. It's often used in a playful or teasing manner. For example, if a friend is afraid of spiders, you might say, 'Don't be such a scaredy-cat, it's just a tiny spider!'
- 1Childhood
When they were kids, he was always the scaredy-cat who would run away from any scary movie.
When they were kids, he was always the scaredy-cat who would run away from any scary movie.
- 2Entertainment
She refused to go on the haunted house ride because she's a total scaredy-cat.
She refused to go on the haunted house ride because she's a total scaredy-cat.
- 3Everyday Life
He's too much of a scaredy-cat to try new foods, even if they're not spicy or unusual.
He's too much of a scaredy-cat to try new foods, even if they're not spicy or unusual.
Similar phrases to “A Scaredy-Cat”:
Someone who is easily scared or lacks courage
Example
He's such a chicken, he won't even go near a spider.
He's such a chicken, he won't even go near a spider.
Wimp
Someone who is weak or lacking in courage
Example
He's too much of a wimp to try anything adventurous.
He's too much of a wimp to try anything adventurous.
Someone who lacks bravery or courage
Example
She's a coward who always runs away from challenges.
She's a coward who always runs away from challenges.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A Scaredy-Cat” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A Scaredy-Cat" is unknown.
Is “A Scaredy-Cat” common in everyday conversation?
"A Scaredy-Cat" is a fairly common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to playfully tease someone who is easily frightened or afraid.
What tone does “A Scaredy-Cat” have?
"A Scaredy-Cat" conveys a tone of lightheartedness and teasing. It's not meant to be offensive or hurtful, but rather to gently mock someone's fearfulness in a playful way.
Can “A Scaredy-Cat” be used in informal and formal settings?
"A Scaredy-Cat" is an informal expression that is commonly used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. It may not be appropriate for more formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to describe someone's fearfulness. For example, 'Don't be such a scaredy-cat and try the roller coaster!' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be a "scaredy-cat"!' to encourage someone to be brave.
