What is the derivation of worry wart?

Answer 1

The term "worry wart" originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, combining "worry," which means to feel anxious or concerned, with "wart," a small, benign growth on the skin. The usage of "wart" metaphorically implies something bothersome or annoying, suggesting that excessive worry is an undesirable trait. The phrase captures the image of someone who is overly anxious or fixated on minor problems, much like a wart is an unwanted blemish.