nerve, noun

Origin:
Afrikaans, EnglishShow more Calqued on Afrikaans op (sy) senuwees tense but self-controlled (perhaps influenced by the general English usage to get on one’s nerves):
In the colloquial adverbial phrase on one’s nerves.
In an extremely tense state; likely to become angry or aggressive at the slightest provocation.
1913 J. Brandt Petticoat Commando 92There is a Dutch saying which forcibly expresses that condition of tense self-control under circumstances of a particularly trying nature. We say we are ‘living on our nerves’. Our Heroines, like so many other sorely tried women in South Africa, were ‘living on their nerves,’ those wise, understanding nerves, so knowing and so delicate.
1976 Cape Times 29 Dec. 2The residents of Nyanga, fearing trouble ‘because we are on our nerves’, gathered together.., and by the time the riot police arrived.., had formed a ‘protecting line’ against the migrant workers.
1988 Adams & Suttner William Str. 69This is the first time I had witnessed division amongst us coloureds, especially over religion, and Sarah being so on her nerves.
1991 D. Ashman Informant, Cape Town, Western CapeTeacher, you seem on your nerves today. Why are you so cross with us?
1991 C. Clarkson Informant, Johannesburg, GautengOn one’s nerves: Nervous. No doubt from Afrikaans ‘op sy senuwees’. Jees, I was on my nerves the whole time that his kid would break something.
In an extremely tense state; likely to become angry or aggressive at the slightest provocation.
Entry Navigation

Visualise Quotations

Quotation summary

Senses

19131991
Nerine, nounn.neuk, verbv.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Unit for South African English