Meaning of Idiom “Scaredy-Cat”
1. A scaredy-cat is a person who is easily frightened or timid.
2. A person who is afraid to do something dangerous or challenging.
3. A person who won’t do something because they are afraid of getting in trouble.
The term “scaredy-cat” is synonymous with many similar idioms in English but is usually used by and reserved for children. An interchangeable variation of scaredy-cat is fraidy-cat. While scaredy-cat is based on the word scared, fraidy-cat is based on the word afraid.
Similar idioms are nervous nellie, afraid of one’s own shadow, and chicken.
Sentence Examples
“You’re such a scaredy-cat. You won’t even climb a tree.”
“So what if you get grounded. It’ll be worth it, scaredy-cat. Let’s have some fun!”
“He won’t do it, he’s a scaredy-cat.”
“You should see the way Mickey jumped when the mummy came out in the movie. He’s always a scaredy-cat but I swear I think he peed his pants.”
“It’s just a little dog you scaredy-cat. Look, he’s wagging his tail and everything.”
“When it comes to vampire movies, I’m always a scaredy-cat. I had to go to my room when everyone was watching Salem’s Lot.”
Examples From Movies and TV
“Take it. It’s just a picture on a screen. Scaredy-cat.” “You take it. Go on. Just reach out and grab it.” — Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
“Guys, I’m not gonna kidnap someone based on “nine to five.” “That’s because you Jane Fonda. Ooh, snap.” “That’s right. You’re the scaredy-cat one. You’re always the last to man up about everything.” — Horrible Bosses 2 (2014)
“Did you hear the shooting last night?” “Yeah, I got under my bed.” “Man, you a scaredy-cat.” “My mama say, ‘A bullet don’t have no name on it.'” — Boyz n the Hood (1991)
“Put ’em up, ya little pipsqueak. You’re shaking. Don’t tell me you’re a scaredy-cat as well as a scoundrel.” — The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
“You gonna hang there all day, scaredy cat? Told you not to look down.” “I can’t help it. I’m slipping.” — Spy Kids (2001)
“Do you think I should apply to some safety schools?” “No need. Don’t be a scaredy-cat. There’s no doubt in my mind you’re gonna go to Berkeley. Stanford.” — Orange County (2002)
“King of the jungle? King of the cowards. You oughta be ashamed of yourself, scaring us like that. You big scaredy-cat!” “I can’t scare anything. I can’t even scare a scarecrow, a tin man, or a little puppy…anything.” — The Wiz (1978)
Origin
Used since at least the late 1950s, this idiom alludes to the seemingly cautious and wary nature of the easily startled and aloof cat who is good at surviving by being careful and untrusting. It is contradicted by the idiom “curiosity killed the cat.”