Who Was Nervous Nellie?

Michelle in Thorne Bay, Alaska, wonders why a skittish person may be called a nervous Nellie. That term is associated with the nickname of politician Frank B. Kellogg, who was considered overly emotional and indecisive, but who also won the 1929 Nobel Peace Prize. The phrase Whoa, Nellie, used to calm horses may have reinforced this term’s use. This is part of a complete episode.

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