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nevvy

(colloquial, UK, _, dialectal) A nephew.

ˈnɛviDocumented since 1700sSilenthistoricalHistorical195 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇬🇧 British & Irish slang
2 definitions
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Born ~1700 · 1 year of recorded use
1700Born1999: 1 citationToday, 2026

Definitions

UK
#1·Apr 27, 2026UK

(colloquial, UK, _, dialectal) A nephew.

Origin: Possibly from neve and/or , but compare (now mostly obsolete) widespread dialectal forms such as argy and vally with for unstressed standard English. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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UK
#2·Apr 27, 2026UK

(UK, _, dialectal) A grandson.

Origin: Possibly from neve and/or nephew +‎ -y, but compare (now mostly obsolete) widespread dialectal forms such as /ˈɑːɡi/, /ˈɑɹɡi/ argy(“argue”) and /ˈvali/, /ˈvæli/ vally(“value”) with /i/ for unstressed standard English /juː/.
For parents

"nevvy" is a regional or dialect word meaning a grandson. It is most likely picked up from family, a particular part of the country, or a piece of regional media. There is nothing to worry about: dialect vocabulary is a sign of place and heritage, not of any risky behaviour. If anything, it is a nice opportunity to talk about where the word comes from and which side of the family or which place uses it.

For ESL learners

"nevvy" is regional / dialectal English meaning a grandson. It is mainly heard in British English (and Irish English). A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "a grandson" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake is to use "nevvy" outside its region; speakers from elsewhere may not understand it or may find it self-consciously local. If you are a B2 or C1 learner, it is useful to recognise this word when you hear or read it, but think carefully about whether the situation really calls for it before using it yourself.

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UK and Irish slang — Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Yorkshire, Glaswegian, Brummie, Welsh, West Country, plus Irish English. Centuries of regional dialects feeding into modern British and Irish street talk.

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