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A feeling of nervousness or anxiety, often accompanied by stomach discomfort.
synonyms:butterfliesnerves
The word 'collywobbles' is believed to have originated in the 19th century, possibly derived from the dialectal term 'colly,' meaning 'coal,' and 'wobbles,' indicating a shaking or wobbling sensation. It has been suggested that it refers to the feeling in the stomach one gets when anxious, similar to the sensation of having a 'bad stomach' due to the stress.
Collywobbles is typically used in informal contexts, often to describe the jitters or anxieties people feel before public speaking, exams, or other nerve-wracking situations.
While not an everyday term, 'collywobbles' is recognized and used in casual conversation, especially in contexts relating to anxiety or nervousness.
Before the big presentation, I had a serious case of the collywobbles.
As the roller coaster climbed higher, the collywobbles kicked in, making me question my decision to ride.
She felt the collywobbles in her stomach as she prepared to meet her favorite author.
Collywobbles is a fun and whimsical term that captures that uneasy feeling of anxiety, especially when it manifests in our stomachs. Its curious etymology ties back to the 19th century, where it likely emerged from a blend of dialect and playful language. The word paints a vivid picture of those pre-performance jitters we all experience at times. So next time you're feeling butterflies in your stomach, remember: you might just have a case of the collywobbles!