- A person who is extremely anxious, stressed, or emotionally distraught.
Explanation
Origin
- Compares a person's emotional state to a physical wreck (like a shipwreck or car crash) – something broken, damaged, and barely functioning.
- The term vividly portrays someone overcome by nervousness to the point of being unable to function normally.
- Likely gained currency in the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Wigging out. (Becoming very agitated or stressed)
- Losing it. / Losing my mind. (Feeling overwhelmed)
- Stressed to the max.
- Bugging out. (Similar to wigging out)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Shitting bricks. (Extremely nervous or scared)
- Freaking the fuck out. (Very strong expression of panic/stress)
Milder:
- A bit stressed.
- Feeling uneasy.
- Apprehensive.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Appropriate when discussing feelings openly, e.g., with friends, family, or sometimes colleagues depending on the workplace culture.
- It's an exaggeration, so usually not meant literally as a clinical diagnosis. Avoid using it lightly about someone genuinely suffering from severe anxiety unless you know it's how they describe themselves.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- It's generally understood as an exaggeration for being very nervous.
- Avoid using it in a way that dismisses or trivializes clinical anxiety disorders.
Examples
- I have a job interview tomorrow, and I'm a nervous wreck.
- Waiting for the test results made him a nervous wreck.
- She gets so anxious before public speaking; she's a complete nervous wreck.
Dialogue
Person A: How are you feeling about the presentation later?
Person B: Honestly? I'm a nervous wreck. I barely slept last night.
Person A: Oh no! Do you want to run through it one more time quickly? Maybe that will help.
Person B: That would be great, thanks.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Waiting to hear back about the job offer... total nervous wreck right now! Send good vibes! 🙏 #jobsearch #anxiety
- Facebook Status: My kid has their driving test today. Pretty sure I'm more of a nervous wreck than they are! 😅🚗
- Blog Post Title: How I Stopped Being a Nervous Wreck Before Presentations
Response Patterns
- Expressions of sympathy (Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that, That sounds stressful).
- Offering reassurance (You'll be fine, Try to relax, Don't worry too much).
- Asking for details (What are you nervous about?).
- Offering help (Is there anything I can do?).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they (or someone else) are a nervous wreck:
- People usually inquire about the cause of the nervousness (Why? What's happening?).
- They might offer calming advice or practical help.
- They might share their own experiences with similar nervousness.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually describes a state resulting from a situation, not an opener. One might *start* a conversation by saying I'm a nervous wreck because..., but the phrase itself isn't the opener.
Intonation
- Emphasis typically falls on nervous and wreck. NERVOUS WRECK.
- Often said with a tone of worry, exaggeration, or sympathy.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across most adult generations. Slang alternatives might be more generation-specific.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.