Meaning
What does Nebby mean?
Nebby refers to a slang synonym for the word Nosey, labeling a person too curious or straight up insultingly meddlesome.
It also refers to a popular Pokémon from the Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon.
Online, the term may be encountered in both senses.
Origin
What's the origin of Nebby?
Although the exact origin of the term “Nebby” is not known, it is likely related to the slang terms nubby and Nosey in Britain, the former of which carried the meaning “full of entanglements” while the latter calling someone too curious.
“Nebby” was first cited in the Northumberland Words by R. Oliver Heslop, published by the English Dialect Society in the years 1893 and 1894.
Spread & Usage
How did Nebby spread?
Although the term retained some popularity, with its uses peaking in the 20-year interval between the two World Wars, it never turned into a viral slang expression.
“Nebby” was first defined on Urban Dictionary on February 27th, 2003, with several entries following in the subsequent years.
The popularity of the words was boosted in the 2010’s, by the Pokémon and games with the title Sun & Moon, both of which introduced the creature to the fans in 2016.
External resources
- Fandom.com – Pokémon Wiki
- Urbandictionary.com – Nebby