nelly
Definition
- Noun:
- A large sea bird: "nelly" refers to a type of large albatross or petrel, especially the giant petrel, found in southern oceans.
- A slang term for a foolish or naive person: In informal British and Australian English, "nelly" can be used as a mild, somewhat derogatory term for a foolish or gullible person.
- A name: "Nelly" is also a common given name for a woman, often a diminutive of Helen or Eleanor.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The nelly soared over the waves, its wingspan impressive. (A large sea bird, the giant petrel.)
- Don't be such a nelly; you can easily solve this problem. (A foolish or naive person.)
Name:
- Nelly is coming over for tea this afternoon. (A person's name, e.g., a friend named Nelly.)
Advanced Usage
"Not on your nelly": A British slang phrase meaning "absolutely not" or "no way."
- Will you lend him money? Not on your nelly! (A strong refusal, derived from "not on your Nelly Duff," rhyming slang for "puff" meaning breath or life.)
"Nelly" as a term for a large bird: In ornithology, "nelly" is specifically used for the giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus), known for its scavenging habits.
Variants and Related Words
Nelly (n.) (alternative spelling): "Nellie" — the same meanings, but more common as a name.
- Nellie was a famous dancer. (A variant spelling of the name.)
Nelly's (n.): A possessive form, e.g., "Nelly's bird" (the bird belonging to Nelly).
- Nelly's albatross was spotted near the coast. (The bird associated with a person named Nelly.)
Synonyms
- For the bird: Giant petrel, albatross — large seabirds.
- For the person: Fool, simpleton, naive person — a foolish or gullible individual.
Idioms
"Not on your nelly" (British slang): An emphatic refusal.
- You want me to go out in this rain? Not on your nelly! (Absolutely not.)
"Nelly" as rhyming slang: In Cockney rhyming slang, "Nelly Duff" means "puff" (breath or life), but "nelly" alone is rarely used this way; the phrase "not on your nelly" is the common usage.
Related Phrases
- "A nelly" (informal): Used to describe a person who is weak or easily fooled.
- He's a bit of a nelly when it comes to financial decisions. (He is naive or gullible.)