Nippy

A nippy was a specific type of waitress associated with the J. Lyons & Co brand of tea, and its tea shops and cafes in the UK. Beginning in the late 19th century, a J. Lyons waitress was called a "Gladys". From 1926, because the waitresses nipped around the tea shops (that is, they were nippy) the term "Nippy" came into use. Thus, the etymology of the word is similar to the more American term "soda jerk". Nippies wore a distinctive maidlike uniform with a matching hat.