Literary notes about NERVY (AI summary)
In literature, the term "nervy" is used in a variety of flexible and colorful ways that capture both a spirited boldness and a state of heightened alertness. It often describes characters or actions marked by daring and impudence—as in a bold, cheeky individual who takes risks ([1], [2], [3])—while at other times it conveys a kind of restless energy or even jittery sensitivity, as when someone is so on edge that their nerves seem almost tangible ([4], [5], [6]). Authors deploy the word to paint portraits of lively, savvy personas or to emphasize the electrifying, sometimes edgy atmosphere of a scene, making "nervy" a versatile term that enriches both character and narrative tone ([7], [8], [9]).
- "Oh, he's a nervy lad, all right," nodded Hagan.
— from Frank Merriwell's Pursuit; Or, How to Win by Burt L. Standish - It was a brave and nervy act—the act of a true hero.
— from Frank Merriwell Down South by Burt L. Standish - “I will do as I choose,” retorted the nervy lad.
— from Frank Merriwell's Triumph; Or, The Disappearance of Felicia by Burt L. Standish - It wraps itself round your tired limbs, it steals into your nervy senses, and it comforts you.
— from The Happy Golfer Being Some Experiences, Reflections, and a Few Deductions of a Wandering Golfer by Henry Leach - Ive been wretchedly nervy lately, and it makes me silly about things."
— from Winding Paths by Gertrude Page - "No—I was always nervy and shy and repressed.
— from Captivity by Leonora Eyles - "By gosh, but that boy's nervy fer a city chap!" cried the cowboy boomer, in admiration.
— from The Boy Land Boomer; Or, Dick Arbuckle's Adventures in Oklahoma by Edward Stratemeyer - Both officers declared that a nervy White could put to flight a hundred Sioux.
— from The American Indian in the United States, Period 1850-1914 ... The Present Condition of the American Indian; His Political History and Other Topics; A Plea for Justice by Warren King Moorehead - “It was as nervy a thing as I ever seen, and I never seen it outside of a circus.”
— from The Motor Boys; or, Chums Through Thick and Thin by Clarence Young
