worrywart

Attested 1956, I. BELKNAP Human Problems of State Mental Hospitals x. 177[1] In cartoon Out Our Way by J. R. Williams, there is a character by that name. Earlier examples from newspapers of the 1930s and 1940s.[2]

Presumably related to earlier worryguts.

From worry; “wart” apparently chosen for alliteration.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈwʌɹ.ɪˌwɔːt/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈwʌɹ.iˌwɔɹt/, IPA^(key): /ˈwɝ.iˌwɔɹt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɔː(r)t

worrywart (plural worrywarts)

1. A person who worries excessively, especially about unimportant matters.
   • 2005, Hal Edward Runkel, Screamfree Parenting: Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool, page 31:

     It doesn't mean you're a worrywart, a nervous wreck or in need of heavy medication.

   • 2008, Nicole L.V. Mullis, "Vacation renders kids, adult males impervious to danger", Battle Creek Enquirer online, August 17:

     On vacation, I'm a worrywart for fretting about third-degree burns and puncture wounds.

• bundle of nerves, fussbudget, worrier

• pessimist
• OCD
• hypochondriac