haywire etymology

Etymology:

The word "haywire" is a combination of two words:

  • Hay: Short for "haystack" or "haymow"
  • Wire: A thin, flexible metal cable or rod

Origin:

The term "haywire" originated in the 19th century in reference to a type of fencing used for holding hay or other agricultural materials. Haywire consisted of twisted wire cables suspended between posts.

Meaning:

Haywire originally described a fence that had become tangled or broken, causing the livestock or materials it contained to escape. Over time, the term came to be used figuratively to describe something that is:

  • Out of control
  • In a state of disarray or chaos
  • Functioning erratically or unpredictably

Examples of Usage:

  • "The plans for the party went haywire when the weather turned bad."
  • "After the accident, the traffic system was completely haywire."
  • "The company's finances are haywire, and it's on the brink of bankruptcy."

haywire relate terms

  • wire

    Etymology Old English wīre Proto Germanic wīrą Proto Indo European weyro to t

  • wrong

    Incorrect Etymology Word Serendipitous Incorrect Etymology From the Persian word sar

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  • bend

    Etymology The word bend has multiple etymological origins Old English bendan to

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  • bend

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  • spare

    Etymology The word spare has its origins in the Old English word sparian which means

  • Zeus

    Etymology Derived from the Proto Indo European root Dyeus meaning sky father or sh