collywobbles

[kol-ee-wob-uhlz]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. intestinal cramps or other intestinal disturbances.

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

collywobbles

/ ˈkɒlɪˌwɒbəlz /

plural noun

1. an upset stomach

2. acute diarrhoea

3. an intense feeling of nervousness

Word History and Origins

Origin of collywobbles¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of collywobbles¹

C19: probably from New Latin cholera morbus the disease cholera, influenced through folk etymology by _colic and _wobble

Example Sentences

It is Reform's recent rise - and the durability of its support, up to now at least - that has fast forwarded the collywobbles in a vast parliamentary Labour Party so soon after a general election.

From BBC

Or do Conservative MPs conclude yet another blast of the collywobbles would be unforgivably indulgent?

From BBC

A bunch of ordinary ones, like “mischief” and “possibility,” but he threw two cool ones in there: “collywobbles” and “gardyloo.”

From Literature

Eva Perón throws her husband’s mistress out on the streets, and Madonna’s wavering vocal goes full collywobbles.

From The Guardian

But Hughton’s deflection is likely less a sign of weakness than an effort to contain any outbreak of the collywobbles.

From The Guardian