A Scottish term for someone who is cowardly, easily frightened, or won't take a risk — essentially calling someone a scaredy-cat or a wimp.
A Scottish term for someone who is cowardly, easily frightened, or won't take a risk — essentially calling someone a scaredy-cat or a wimp. Used both affectionately among kids and as a mild taunt among adults. Being called a feardie in Scotland is a light jab at your bravery, often used to dare someone into doing something they're hesitant about. It's playful more than cutting.
Come on, dinnae be such a feardie — it's just a wee spider!
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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American childish or playful slang meaning cowardly or easily scared — a kid's version of 'afraid' stripped back to its core sound. Calling someone a 'fraidy-cat' or just 'fraidy' is a classic playground taunt for anyone who won't jump off the diving board or go into the dark basement. Adults use it ironically or affectionately, and it retains its innocently mocking quality even when deployed by grown-ups who really should know better.
(US, childish) Cowardly.
(US, childish) Afraid.
A Scottish and Northumbrian term of address or reference for a young boy or male, often affectionate. It is the diminutive of 'lad' and signals informality and warmth. The word is strongly associated with Scottish speech and can sound patronizing when used by non-Scots or in formal contexts, but within its register it is simply a fond way to address a young man.
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(Scotland) A wimp; a scaredy-cat.
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