nelly

1 of 2

noun

nel·​ly

ˈnelē

plural -es

1

: giant petrel

2

: sooty albatross

3

or nellie slang, disparaging : an effeminate homosexual

nelly

2 of 2

adjective

variants or nellie

"

slang, disparaging

: conspicuously effeminate

Phrases

not on your nelly

sometimes capitalized second N [perhaps from the phrase not on your Nelly Duff, rhyming slang for British slang puff breath, life] British slang : certainly not

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

perhaps from Nelly, nickname for Helen

First Known Use

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1966, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now