Definition of nervy

The word "nervy" has its roots in the 16th century. It comes from the Latin word "nervus," meaning "sinew" or "nerve." In English, the original meaning of "nervy" referred to the muscles or sinews of the body. In the 17th century, the term took on a new sense, describing something that was tight or tense, like a string or a nerve. This sense of tension or anxiety is still prevalent in modernusage, where "nervy" is used to describe someone or something that is shaky, jittery, or high-strung. Over time, the word's meaning has expanded to encompass emotional states like nervousness or anxiety, making it a versatile and useful term in the English language.