Another way to say “scared”
4 slang terms grouped by this meaning, ranked by popularity.
An informal contracted form of 'I'm afraid so', used to confirm something unwelcome or disappointing with a tone of resigned sympathy. The phrase softens a negative answer — acknowledging the other person's disappointment while confirming the bad news. Used widely in casual British and American English across generations. The elision of 'I'm' and the softening 'afraid' together give it a polite, apologetic quality that makes it more socially graceful than a flat 'yes'. Typically delivered with a slight shrug in tone.
(slang, vulgar) To be scared; to be terrified.
(Singapore, Singlish, mildly, _, derogatory) The quality of being kiasu (overly competitive and afraid to lose out).
(Ireland) afraid.