yellowbelly

[ yel-oh-bel-ee ]

noun

, plural yel·low·bel·lies.

1. Slang. a person who is without courage, fortitude, or nerve; coward.

Word History and Origins

Origin of yellowbelly¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; yellow + belly

Example Sentences

The federal office for environmental protection said Tuesday it seized 15 bottles with species including a blood snake, ridge head snake, yellowbelly snake and a whip snake.

From Seattle Times

The nickname for a Lincolnshire native is a yellowbelly - but L/Cpl Harold Beechey was no coward.

From BBC

“No, that wouldn’t drive the yellowbelly back,” Chief White Halfoat disagreed obstinately.

From Literature

Tyrion was quite certain that he did not want to become the property of the immense Lord Yellowbelly.

From Literature

The Yellowbelly Cooler at Canon: The great cocktail bar Mayahuel in New York’s East Village showed the mainstream that smoky mescal when mixed with sweet watermelon can add a pleasant, savory note.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• coward
• crybaby
• pushover