Squeamish
/ˈskwiːmɪʃ/noun
Easily nauseated, disgusted, or overly fastidious.
Did you know?The word likely grew out of Middle English forms meaning “delicate” or “fussy,” and its eerie emotional vibe is part of why it feels so physical today.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
ME
squemyssh / squemish
“Delicate, fastidious, or easily offended”
Late Middle English
ME
squemous / squeamous
“Disgusting or causing aversion”
Uncertain origin
?
squaym / esquaime
“Likely related to Old French forms meaning timid, shy, or disgusted”
Modern English
English
squeamish
“Easily nauseated or overly scrupulous”