jillion etymology

Etymology

The word "jillion" is a nonstandard term for an extremely large but indefinite number. It is thought to have originated as a hyperbole of the word "billion."

Meaning

A very large but indefinite number.

Origin

The exact origin of the word "jillion" is unknown, but there are several possible explanations:

• It may have been coined in the 19th century as a humorous exaggeration of the word "billion," which itself was a relatively new term at the time.
• It may have originated as a slang term among soldiers during World War II, who used it to describe an overwhelming number of enemy troops or weapons.
• It may be derived from the Yiddish word "yillion," which is also used to refer to a large but indefinite number.

Usage

The word "jillion" is typically used in informal contexts to express a very large but imprecise quantity. It is often used in a humorous or exaggerated way.

Examples

• "There are a jillion stars in the sky."
• "I have a jillion things to do today."
• "I've been waiting for you for a jillion years."

jillion relate terms

• gazillion

  Etymology The word gazillion is a blending of the words giga and zillion Giga

• billion

  Etymology of billion French billion Italian bilione Latin bilio Meaning an

• zillion

  Etymology From Middle English zillion from French zillion from Arabic ṣifr cipher

• million

  Etymology Middle English milioun from Anglo Norman miliun from Old French million f

• zillion

  Etymology From Middle English zillion from French zillion from Arabic ṣifr cipher

• jillion

  Etymology The word jillion is a nonstandard term for an extremely large but indefinite

• gazillion

  Etymology The word gazillion is a blending of the words giga and zillion Giga

• billion

  Etymology of billion French billion Italian bilione Latin bilio Meaning an

• quorum

  Etymology Latin quōrum Ancient Greek khōrós army that divides the enemy s ranks

• mess

  Etymology The word mess comes from the Middle English word messe which in turn come

• ignominious

  Etymology The word ignominious originates from Latin in meaning not or withou

• hail

  Etymology The word hail comes from the Proto Germanic root hagul meaning hailstone

• sarcasm

  Etymology Greek sarkazein literally to tear flesh From sarkazmos derision moc

• serendipity

  Etymology The word serendipity comes from the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of

• dandy

  Etymology The word dandy is derived from the Scottish dander meaning to strut abou

• allegory

  Etymology The word allegory comes from the Greek word allegoria which means speakin

• cell

  Etymology The word cell derives from the Latin word cella meaning small room or c