How Do You Spell NELLIES?

Nellies is a plural noun that refers to a slang term predominantly used in British English and is typically associated with the sport of cricket. It is often used to describe a period of play where no runs are scored by the batting team. In cricket, runs are scored when the batsmen hit the ball and complete one or more runs between the wickets. Nellies are essentially scoreless periods, where the batsmen fail to accumulate any runs.

The term "nellies" is believed to have originated in the early to mid-20th century, and its etymology is not entirely clear. It is speculated to have been derived from the name Nellie, which was often associated with a lack of success or failure. The word may have gained popularity due to its catchy and concise nature.

In cricket, the occurrence of nellies can have a significant impact on the overall score and momentum of the game. It is often seen as a favourable situation for the bowling team, as they prevent the batting team from scoring runs and potentially taking control of the match. Nellies can be a strategic objective for bowlers and fielders to apply pressure on the batting team, aiming to force mistakes or wickets.

Outside of cricket, the term "nellies" does not generally have widespread usage or recognition and is limited to the specific context of the sport.