Etymology

shrinking violet

shrink·ing vio·let

Today it means: A very shy or timid person, who avoids contact with others if possible. Full definition →

First used early 19th c.
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The story

Possibly from the inconspicuous nature of the violet (genus Viola) flower and plant. The term appears to have been first used in the literal sense in the early 19th century.

First known use, by meaning

  • from early 19th c. A very shy or timid person, who avoids contact with others if possible.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.