- Don’t go to the public restroom with Liz; she is pee-shy.
pee-shy
adjective; compounding and euphemism
Incapable of urinating in the presence of others. Speakers compounded the words “pee” and “shy” together to refer to the medical condition paruresis. “Pee-shy” appears to be a more acceptable term to use among friends than the more serious medical terminology. Many speakers also use this term because it is more concise and clear; the listener knows exactly what the word means.
Etymology : Compound of pee (euphemistic abbreviation of piss, from Old French “pissier” meaning urinate) and shy from late Old English “sceoh” meaning timid, easily startled.
Source : Conversation with friend at Jones College. October 3, 2013
Last modified: 21 November 2013