How do you use "Scaredy-cat" in a sentence?

Don't be such a scaredy-cat. He's a scaredy-cat—won't try anything new. Come on, scaredy-cat!

Scaredy-cat

Q: What does "Scaredy-cat" mean?

A person who is easily frightened; a coward. A 'scaredy-cat' is easily frightened—cowardly or timid. Usually a children's taunt but used by adults too. The connection to cats comes from their skittish, easily-startled nature.

Slang Term AmericanBritishAustralian ★★★★☆ Common Very Casual

Practice this with flashcards, quizzes & audio on WordLoci →

Meaning: A person who is easily frightened; a coward.

容易受惊的人；胆小鬼。

Una persona que se asusta fácilmente; un cobarde.

すぐに怖がる人；臆病者。

쉽게 겁먹는 사람; 겁쟁이.

A 'scaredy-cat' is easily frightened—cowardly or timid. Usually a children's taunt but used by adults too. The connection to cats comes from their skittish, easily-startled nature.

'Scaredy-cat'（胆小猫）是容易受惊的人——胆小或怯懦。通常是孩子们的嘲弄，但大人也用。与猫的联系来自猫神经质、容易受惊的天性。

Un 'scaredy-cat' se asusta fácilmente—cobarde o tímido. Normalmente una burla infantil pero también la usan los adultos. La conexión con los gatos viene de su naturaleza nerviosa y fácil de asustar.

「scaredy-cat」はすぐに怖がる人—臆病または気が小さい。通常は子供のからかいですが、大人も使います。猫との関連は、猫の神経質で驚きやすい性質から来ています。

'Scaredy-cat'은 쉽게 겁먹는 사람—겁이 많거나 소심한 사람이다. 보통 아이들이 놀릴 때 쓰지만 어른도 사용한다. 잘 놀라는 고양이의 성질에서 유래했다.

Examples

Don't be such a scaredy-cat.
别那么胆小
No seas tan miedoso
そんなに怖がらないで
그렇게 겁먹지 마.
He's a scaredy-cat—won't try anything new.
他是个胆小鬼——什么新东西都不敢尝试
Es un miedoso—no prueba nada nuevo
彼は臆病者で新しいことに挑戦しない
그는 겁쟁이라서 새로운 건 안 해.
Come on, scaredy-cat!
来吧，胆小鬼！
¡Vamos, miedoso!
ほら、弱虫！
어서, 겁쟁이야!

Pronunciation

/ˈskeədi kæt/

Usage Guide

Context: fear, teasing, children

Tone: teasing, challenging

✓ Do Say

Scaredy-cat
胆小鬼
Miedica
怖がり
겁쟁이
Don't be a scaredy-cat
别当胆小鬼
No seas miedica
怖がりになるなよ
겁쟁이짓 하지 마

Common Mistakes

Mostly children's language but used by adults

Origin & History

From the early 20th century, referencing the easily-startled nature of cats. A child's expression that has endured into adult usage.

Etymology: From cats' easily startled, skittish nature

First recorded: Early 20th century

Cultural Context

Era: 20th century

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Children's media

Regional notes: American origin, global usage.

Variations

Scaredy-catScaredy cat