Worry wart

Meaning

A person who worries excessively.

Usage

Playful tease for anxious folks.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Childish coinage linking worry with warts.

American slang from the mid-20th century.