Nellie

American  

[nel-ee] / ˈnɛl i /

Or Nelly

noun

1. a female given name, form of Helen.

2. (often lowercase)

   1. Offensive. a fussily effeminate male.

   2. Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a gay man.

---

Nellie Idioms  

1. see nervous nellie.

---

Etymology

Origin of Nellie

First recorded in 1930–35 Nellie for def. 2

Example Sentences

Her agent added: "Elizabeth enjoyed an illustrious career spanning many decades but is probably best known as Auntie Nellie in EastEnders."

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

The semi-saving grace is the presence of the distinctive singer-songwriter Nellie McKay, who performs some of her original compositions before, after and between the plays, accompanying herself on several instruments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Her hand-dyed wool company, Nellie and Eve, in Carmarthenshire, west Wales, used to make about 30% of its sales to the US - but she has put them on hold.

From BBC • Aug. 29, 2025

Rep. Nellie Pou of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Congressional Task Force for Enhancing Security for Special Events, held a public hearing last month on preparing for the World Cup and Olympics.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2025

He’s quoting Nellie DuMont Frissé, one of my favorite astronomers.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein