Why is a coward called a yellow belly?

Answer 1

There is a yellow bellied lizard in the west, that is so easily frightened that it has been known to run from its own shadow. They are extremely hard to catch because they run so fast. In the early west, people often referred to cowards as "yellow bellies"

Answer 2

Yellow Belly Coward

Answer 3

The first use of the term that I can find from the USA, and one that suggests the derogatory, cowardly meaning, comes from an account of a military skirmish in Texas, reported in The Wisconsin Enquirer, April 1842:

We learn from Capt. Wright, of the N. York, that it is the intention of the Texans to "keep dark" until the Mexicans cross the Colorado, and then give them a San Jacinto fight, with an army from 5000 to 7000 men. God send that they may bayonet every "yellow belly" in the Mexican army.

The US usage initially applied specifically to Mexicans, who were then at war with the USA. Whether the 'yellow' reference was a racist allusion to skin colour, ill-health, or to a likening to snakes, lizards etc. isn't clear. Whatever the origin, the US 'coward' version seems to be independent of the earlier English nick-name.

(considering the terrain, I would guess it was a reference to a reptile, or lizard, that scoots away every time you come close)

Answer 4

That's a very good question. Maybe because they wet themselves they were so scared...