collywobbles

American  

[kol-ee-wob-uhlz] / ˈkɒl iˌwɒb əlz /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. intestinal cramps or other intestinal disturbances.

2. a feeling of fear, apprehension, or nervousness.

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collywobbles British  

/ ˈkɒlɪˌwɒbəlz /

plural noun

1. an upset stomach

2. acute diarrhoea

3. an intense feeling of nervousness

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Etymology

Origin of collywobbles

1815–25; coinage presumably based on colic, wobble; -s ³

Example Sentences

There may be little to give you the collywobbles, but there’s quite a lot to enjoy, with Ms. Morton heading the list.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2015

An attack of the collywobbles the following day is not uncommon.

From The Guardian • Apr. 5, 2013

Here's Iran, causing collywobbles wherever summits convene; here's Iraq, a profoundly unsettled state; and Nato's Afghanistan, a disaster without end.

From The Guardian • Jun. 13, 2010

"The idea of you having a heart-to-heart talk with Khrushchev gives us the collywobbles," cried the Laborite Daily Herald.

From Time Magazine Archive

Without missing a beat, Logan hollers, “I’m feeling kinda collywobbles, sir. I gotta hurl!”

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper