Nebbishes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term used to describe timid, ineffectual individuals who often lack self-confidence and assertiveness
2. Referring to people who are considered weak or helpless, often regarded as not capable of making impactful decisions
3. Denoting someone who is perceived as ineffectual or spineless, typically lacking the drive to assert themselves in various situations

Etymology: Nebbishes is simply the plural of "nebbish," and the plural is the form most people meet in print. The noun comes from Yiddish, where "nebbish" (also spelled "nebbeche" in some transcriptions) carries a sense of pitiable, ineffectual meekness. It is the sort of word that describes a person who seems to drift through life without ever quite making a mark. The Yiddish root is tied to the idea of unfortunate, pitiable circumstance, and English borrowed the word to name a character type: the timid, unassertive person who is easily overlooked or pushed around. Its popularity in English owes much to its use in American speech and humour, where it became a familiar label for the perpetually put-upon figure.

Synonyms: losers, wimps, cowards

Antonyms: winners, heroes