Nesh

Nesh /nɛʃ/, is an English dialect adjective meaning an unusual susceptibility to cold weather. This is a particularly important word since there is no synonym for this use.

Dictionary definitions

The most accurate definition for current usage is that in the Microsoft Encarta Dictionary:
1. sensitive to cold: very sensitive to cold temperatures
2. timid: lacking courage or self-confidence

However, the New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary has the sloppier definition:
'soft - in consistency, mind, or morals'

Webster's Online Dictionary 1913 defines nesh, in its earlier usage, as:
'Soft, tender, delicate'

Etymology

From the Old English hnesce meaning feeble, weak, or infirm.

Usage

As can be seen in Cultural references, there has been a progressive change in meaning over the years from a definition close to that of its root to the present application.

Nowadays, it is considered to be a gently derogatory comment, that can be used to a friend. An example might be 'Why are you wearing a coat? That's a bit nesh isn't it?'.

Usage has been recorded in the East Midlands, Lancashire, and South Yorkshire.

Cultural references

• The Manchester Marriage. Elizabeth Gaskell wrote in The Manchester Marriage, in 1858:
  

"Now, I'm not above being nesh for other folks myself. I can stand a good blow, and never change colour; but, set me in the operating-room in the Infirmary, and I turn as sick as a girl."

"At Mrs Wilson's death, Norah came back to them, as nurse to the newly-born little Edwin; into which post she was not installed without a pretty strong oration on the part of the proud and happy father; who declared that if he found out that Norah ever tried to screen the boy by a falsehood, or to make him nesh either in body or mind, she should go that very day."

• Sons and Lovers. In D. H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers, written in 1913, we have this exchange

"F-ff-f!" he went, pretending to shudder with cold.

"Goodness, man, don't be such a kid!" said Mrs. Morel. "It's NOT cold."

"Thee strip thysen stark nak'd to wesh thy flesh i' that scullery," said the miner, as he rubbed his hair; "nowt b'r a ice-'ouse!"

"And I shouldn't make that fuss," replied his wife.

"No, tha'd drop down stiff, as dead as a door-knob, wi' thy nesh sides."

• The Full Monty.The film The Full Monty was filmed during 1997 on location in Sheffield. In this film nesh was used in the context of feeling cold when others don't.