nebbish

English

Alternative forms

• nebish (less common)

Etymology

From American Yiddish נעביש (nebish), from נעבעך (nebekh, “poor, unfortunate”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈnɛ.bɪʃ/

Noun

nebbish (plural nebbishes)

1. One who is fearful and timid, especially in making decisions and plans, in discussions, debates, arguments, and confrontations, and in taking responsibility.

   Actor Rick Moranis often plays a nebbish.

   • 2001, Foster Hirsh, Love, Sex, Death, and the Meaning of Life: The Films of Woody Allen [1]

     “I don't consider myself a nebbish,” Woody told interviewers early in his career, “but everyone else does.”

Derived terms

• nebbishy