Top 36 Slang For Afraid – Meaning & Usage

Feeling a bit spooked or jittery? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In this article, we’ve rounded up the most popular and up-to-date slang for feeling afraid. So, whether you’re feeling shook, spooked, or even a little skittish, we’ve got the perfect words to capture that feeling. Let’s dive in and explore the language of fear together!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Spooked

To be “spooked” means to feel nervous or startled, usually as a result of something unexpected or eerie.

For example, “I got spooked when I heard a noise in the dark.”
A person might say, “I always get spooked when I watch horror movies.”
Another might admit, “I’m easily spooked by ghost stories.”

2. Shook

To be “shook” means to be extremely scared or shocked by something.

For instance, “I was so shook when I saw a spider crawling on me.”
A person might say, “I’m still shook from that scary movie I watched last night.”
Another might exclaim, “I was shook when I heard a loud noise in the middle of the night.”

3. Freaked out

To be “freaked out” means to be panicked or extremely scared by something.

For example, “I freaked out when I saw a mouse in my kitchen.”
A person might say, “I’m always freaked out by thunderstorms.”
Another might confess, “I get freaked out when I have to speak in front of a large audience.”

4. Jittery

To be “jittery” means to feel nervous or anxious, often resulting in shaky or restless behavior.

For instance, “I always get jittery before a big exam.”
A person might say, “I feel jittery when I have to speak in public.”
Another might admit, “I get jittery when I have to fly on an airplane.”

5. Petrified

To be “petrified” means to be terrified or paralyzed with fear.

For example, “I was petrified when I saw a snake in my backyard.”
A person might say, “I’m absolutely petrified of heights.”
Another might share, “I was petrified during the haunted house attraction.”

6. Panicky

When someone is panicky, they are experiencing intense fear or anxiety that often leads to irrational behavior or a sense of being overwhelmed.

For example, “I felt panicky when I realized I was lost in the middle of the forest.”
In a stressful situation, someone might say, “I started to feel panicky and couldn’t think clearly.”
A person with a fear of heights might say, “I get panicky just thinking about going up in an elevator to a high floor.”

7. Creeped out

When someone is creeped out, they feel uncomfortable, disturbed, or unsettled by something or someone.

For instance, “The abandoned house gave me the creeps and I felt really creeped out.”
A person might say, “That guy’s behavior is really creepy. He makes me feel creeped out.”
A horror movie enthusiast might describe a scene as, “That scene with the ghost really creeped me out.”

8. Terrified

Being terrified means experiencing intense fear or terror, often to the point where one feels paralyzed or unable to act.

For example, “I was terrified when I saw the car coming towards me at high speed.”
In a haunted house, someone might say, “I’m too terrified to go into that room.”
A person with a fear of spiders might exclaim, “I’m absolutely terrified of spiders!”

9. Shivers down my spine

When someone says they have shivers down their spine, it means they are experiencing a physical sensation of fear or unease, often caused by something eerie or unsettling.

For instance, “That ghost story gave me shivers down my spine.”
A person might say, “The sound of nails on a chalkboard gives me shivers down my spine.”
A horror movie fan might say, “That jump scare gave me shivers down my spine!”

10. Quaking in my boots

When someone says they are quaking in their boots, it means they are feeling extremely scared or fearful, to the point where they feel their legs are trembling.

For example, “The thunderstorm was so intense, I was quaking in my boots.”
In a scary situation, someone might say, “I’m quaking in my boots, I’ve never been more afraid.”
A person might say, “The thought of giving a presentation in front of a large audience has me quaking in my boots.”

11. Chicken-hearted

This term refers to someone who is easily scared or lacks courage. It implies a lack of bravery or determination.

For instance, a person might say, “Don’t be chicken-hearted, face your fears!”
In a conversation about a scary movie, someone might comment, “I’m too chicken-hearted to watch horror films.”
A friend might tease, “You’re acting chicken-hearted, just jump off the diving board already!”

12. Trembling like a leaf

This phrase describes someone who is visibly shaking due to fear or nervousness. It suggests a lack of composure or control over one’s emotions.

For example, “He was trembling like a leaf when he had to give a presentation.”
In a discussion about stage fright, someone might say, “I always start trembling like a leaf before going on stage.”
A witness to a scary event might recall, “I was trembling like a leaf when I saw the car accident.”

13. Goosebumps

This term refers to the physical reaction of the body when experiencing fear or excitement. It describes the appearance of small raised bumps on the skin, often due to the contraction of muscles attached to hair follicles.

For instance, “The horror movie gave me goosebumps.”
A person might say, “I get goosebumps every time I hear a loud noise in the dark.”
Another might comment, “The thrilling roller coaster ride gave me goosebumps.”

14. Shivering in my shoes

This phrase describes a state of extreme fear that causes a person to tremble. It emphasizes the physical reaction of the body to fear, particularly in the legs or feet.

For example, “I was shivering in my shoes when I heard the loud noise.”
In a discussion about a scary experience, someone might say, “I was shivering in my shoes the entire time.”
A person might confess, “The thought of speaking in public makes me shiver in my shoes.”

15. Scared stiff

This phrase describes a state of extreme fear that renders a person unable to move or react. It suggests a complete loss of control or immobilization due to fear.

For instance, “I was scared stiff when I saw the spider.”
In a conversation about a haunted house, someone might comment, “The jump scares had me scared stiff.”
A person might admit, “I’m scared stiff of heights, I can’t even climb a ladder.”

16. Frightened out of my wits

This phrase is used to describe being so scared that it affects one’s ability to think clearly or rationally. It implies a state of extreme fear or panic.

For example, “When I saw the spider crawling on my arm, I was frightened out of my wits.”
In a horror movie, a character might say, “The sound was so loud, it scared me out of my wits.”
Someone might describe a near-death experience by saying, “I was driving in heavy traffic and a car swerved into my lane. It scared me out of my wits!”

17. Running scared

This phrase is used to describe someone who is afraid and trying to escape from a dangerous or threatening situation.

For instance, “The thief saw the police approaching and started running scared.”
In a suspenseful novel, a character might say, “I heard a noise in the dark alley and started running scared.”
Someone might describe a close encounter with a wild animal by saying, “I stumbled upon a bear while hiking and started running scared!”

18. Scared out of my mind

This phrase is used to describe being extremely scared or frightened. It emphasizes the intensity of the fear and suggests a loss of control or rationality.

For example, “When I heard the loud crash in the middle of the night, I was scared out of my mind.”
In a haunted house, a visitor might say, “The sudden jump scares scared me out of my mind.”
Someone might describe a near-death experience by saying, “I was in a car accident and for a moment, I was scared out of my mind!”

19. Shaken up

This phrase is used to describe someone who is emotionally affected by a frightening or traumatic experience. It implies a feeling of being unsettled or disturbed.

For instance, “After witnessing the accident, I was really shaken up.”
In a thriller movie, a character might say, “The plot twist at the end left me feeling shaken up.”
Someone might describe a near-miss in a car accident by saying, “The close call really shook me up!”

20. Timid as a mouse

This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely shy or easily scared. It suggests a lack of confidence or assertiveness.

For example, “She’s so timid, she’s as timid as a mouse.”
In a social gathering, someone might say, “He’s normally outgoing, but he becomes as timid as a mouse around large crowds.”
A parent might describe their child by saying, “My daughter is timid as a mouse when meeting new people.”

21. Nervous wreck

This term refers to someone who is constantly on edge or easily overwhelmed by stress or anxiety.

For example, “She’s a nervous wreck before every big presentation.”
In a discussion about job interviews, someone might say, “I always turn into a nervous wreck when I have to meet a potential employer.”
A person describing their fear of flying might say, “I become a nervous wreck every time I step onto a plane.”

22. Afraid as a rabbit

This phrase compares someone’s fear to that of a rabbit, which is known for being easily frightened and quick to run away.

For instance, “He’s afraid as a rabbit whenever he hears thunder.”
In a conversation about horror movies, someone might say, “I can’t watch anything too scary, I get afraid as a rabbit.”
A person describing their fear of spiders might say, “I scream and jump on chairs, I’m afraid as a rabbit when I see a spider.”

23. Wobbly-kneed

This term describes someone whose knees are trembling or unsteady due to fear, anxiety, or nervousness.

For example, “She felt wobbly-kneed before going on stage for her first solo performance.”
In a discussion about roller coasters, someone might say, “I always feel wobbly-kneed before getting on a big drop.”
A person describing their fear of heights might say, “Whenever I look down from a high place, I get wobbly-kneed.”

24. Scaredy-cat

This term is used to describe someone who is excessively fearful or easily frightened.

For instance, “He’s such a scaredy-cat, he won’t even go on a kiddie roller coaster.”
In a conversation about horror movies, someone might say, “I can’t watch anything too scary, I’m a total scaredy-cat.”
A person describing their fear of spiders might say, “I know it’s irrational, but I’m a scaredy-cat when it comes to spiders.”

25. Chicken

This term is used to describe someone who is easily scared or lacks bravery.

For example, “Don’t be such a chicken, it’s just a little thunder.”
In a discussion about trying new foods, someone might say, “I’m a bit of a chicken when it comes to trying exotic dishes.”
A person describing their fear of public speaking might say, “I always feel like a chicken whenever I have to give a presentation.”

26. Shooketh

This slang term is an exaggerated form of “shook” and is often used to express a high level of surprise or fear. It can be used in various situations to convey a strong emotional reaction.

For example, “When I saw the ghost, I was shooketh to my core.”
A person might say, “I am shooketh by the news of the impending storm.”
Another might exclaim, “I am shooketh to meet my favorite celebrity in person!”

27. Frightened

This term is a more formal way to describe the feeling of being afraid. It can be used in various contexts to express fear or anxiety.

For instance, “I was frightened by the loud noise.”
A person might say, “I am frightened of spiders.”
Another might admit, “I am too frightened to watch horror movies.”

28. Timid

This term describes someone who is easily frightened or lacks bravery. It can be used to describe a person’s personality or behavior in specific situations.

For example, “He is too timid to confront his boss.”
A person might say, “I feel timid when speaking in front of a large audience.”
Another might describe a shy friend as, “She is naturally timid around new people.”

29. Spineless

This slang term refers to someone who is considered weak or cowardly. It implies a lack of strength or determination in the face of fear or adversity.

For instance, “He is spineless and always gives in to peer pressure.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand spineless individuals who won’t stand up for themselves.”
Another might describe a leader as, “She showed her spineless nature by avoiding difficult decisions.”

30. Yellow-bellied

This term is often used to describe someone who is afraid or lacks courage. It originated from the belief that the color yellow represents cowardice.

For example, “He is a yellow-bellied coward who always runs away from a fight.”
A person might say, “Don’t be a yellow-bellied chicken. Stand up for yourself!”
Another might describe a person’s actions as, “His yellow-bellied behavior showed his true character.”

31. Wimpy

This term is used to describe someone who is easily scared or lacks bravery. It is often used in a playful or teasing manner.

For example, “Don’t be so wimpy, it’s just a little spider!”
Someone might say, “He’s too wimpy to try any extreme sports.”
In a conversation about facing fears, a person might admit, “I used to be wimpy when it came to public speaking.”

32. Quaking

When someone is quaking, they are shaking or trembling due to fear or extreme nervousness.

For instance, “I was quaking with fear when I heard the loud noise.”
In a horror movie discussion, someone might say, “The suspense was so intense, I was quaking in my seat.”
A person might admit, “I’m always quaking before a big presentation.”

33. Tremulous

Tremulous describes someone who is shaking or quivering, often due to fear or anxiety.

For example, “Her voice was tremulous as she spoke about her phobia.”
In a conversation about facing fears, someone might say, “I could feel my legs going tremulous as I approached the edge of the cliff.”
A person might admit, “I get tremulous whenever I have to speak in front of a large audience.”

34. Shivery

When someone is shivery, they are shivering or trembling due to fear or extreme nervousness.

For instance, “The horror movie gave me the shivers – I was so shivery.”
In a ghost story discussion, someone might say, “The chilling tale left me feeling shivery.”
A person might admit, “I always get shivery when I have to walk alone in the dark.”

35. Quivery

Quivery describes someone or something that is shaking or trembling, often due to fear or anxiety.

For example, “His voice was quivery as he recounted the terrifying experience.”
In a discussion about phobias, someone might say, “I get quivery whenever I see a snake.”
A person might admit, “I can’t watch scary movies – they make me feel quivery.”

36. Wary

Being cautious or on guard, often due to a perceived threat or potential danger.

For example, “I’m wary of walking alone in this neighborhood at night.”
A person might say, “I’m wary of trusting strangers.”
Another might say, “She was wary of getting involved in a risky business venture.”