collywobbles etymology

Etymology

The term "collywobbles" is thought to have originated in the early 19th century. It is believed to be a combination of the following:

  • Colly: A variant of "colic," a term used to describe abdominal pain
  • Wobble: A word describing a shaky or unstable movement

Meaning

"Collywobbles" refers to a feeling of unease, nervousness, or anxiety, often accompanied by abdominal cramps or discomfort. It can also be used to describe an upset stomach or a general feeling of queasiness.

Origin

The term "collywobbles" likely originated in colloquial language and was initially used to describe physical ailments. Over time, it became more commonly associated with psychological or emotional distress.

The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but it may have been used by soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars to describe the anxiety they felt before going into battle. Alternatively, it may have been used by sailors to refer to the seasickness they experienced on long voyages.

collywobbles relate terms

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