be such a wimp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be such a wimp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is perceived as weak or cowardly, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "Don't be such a wimp; just go talk to her!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Don't be such a wimp, Anna.

The Guardian

"She would tell Maya not to be such a wimp.

The New York Times - Magazine

I kept going, 'Oh, guys, my foot hurts,' and they went, 'Oh, Sky, don't be such a wimp.' My mom felt so guilty she was like, 'I was such a bad mother.' " A Second for a Star of 'Four' A star of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" has gone through her second real-life wedding.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"This guy is such a wimp," I thought.

The New York Times - Health

"My only regret is that I'd been such a wimp about it for so long".

The New York Times

I'm sorry to say that because she's such a wimp and a doormat.

The New Yorker

"You've got to stop being such a wimp now," he tells Shona, frankly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I don't respect him for being such a wimp," Mr. Bruno said of Mr. Smith in a recent radio interview, "for being a wholly owned subsidiary".

The New York Times

He's such a wimp that he dies of a heart attack when threatened with violence, such a failure that his ashes have to be kept in a Folgers coffee tin because the cheapest urn is too expensive.

The Guardian - Film

Meanwhile, my brain was telling me to "shut the eff up" and stop being such a wimp.

Huffington Post

"Aw, don't be such a wimp…".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be such a wimp" to playfully chide someone for being overly cautious or fearful in a situation that doesn't warrant it. It's most effective in informal settings among friends or family.

Common error

Avoid using "be such a wimp" in professional or formal contexts. It can come across as disrespectful or unprofessional. Opt for more neutral language like "lacking confidence" or "hesitant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be such a wimp" functions as an imperative, urging someone to cease behaving in a timid or cowardly manner. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it is used as an interjection to express disapproval or challenge someone's perceived weakness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be such a wimp" is a grammatically sound, albeit informal, way to tell someone to stop acting timid or cowardly. According to Ludwig, it's perfectly acceptable in casual conversation to playfully goad someone into being more courageous. While examples show it appearing in diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it remains best suited for informal contexts. If you are trying to be more formal, consider alternatives such as "be so cowardly" or "be so fainthearted". Use it wisely and mostly within inner circles!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be so cowardly

Directly describes a lack of bravery or willingness to face danger.

be so chicken

A more colloquial term for lacking courage or being afraid.

be such a scaredy-cat

A playful term for someone easily frightened or timid.

be so spineless

Implies a lack of moral backbone or resolve, similar to lacking physical courage.

be so gutless

Indicates a lack of inner fortitude or moral courage.

be so weak-kneed

Suggests a trembling fear or lack of confidence in the face of adversity.

be so fainthearted

Suggests a timidity and aversion to risk or challenge.

be such a softie

Implies excessive sentimentality or lack of emotional toughness.

be so lily-livered

An old-fashioned term for being cowardly or easily frightened.

be so pusillanimous

A more formal way of saying someone is cowardly or lacking courage.

FAQs

What does "be such a wimp" mean?

The phrase "be such a wimp" means to act in a weak, cowardly, or overly sensitive manner. It's often used to jokingly criticize someone for their lack of courage or resilience.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be such a wimp"?

The phrase "be such a wimp" is appropriate in casual, informal settings, such as among friends or family. Avoid using it in professional or formal situations, as it can be considered disrespectful.

What are some alternatives to saying "be such a wimp"?

Alternatives to "be such a wimp" include "be so cowardly", "be so chicken", or "be so fainthearted", depending on the specific context and level of formality required.

Is "be such a wimp" grammatically correct?

Yes, "be such a wimp" is grammatically correct and follows standard English sentence structure, although its usage is primarily limited to informal contexts.