twisties

American  

[twis-teez] / ˈtwɪs tiz /

plural noun

Gymnastics.

1. a loss of spatial awareness or physical orientation resulting in an inability to execute gymnastics skills previously within an athlete’s repertoire.

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Etymology

Origin of twisties

First recorded in 2021; twist ( def. ) + -y ² ( def. ) + -s ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

But she suffered the "twisties" -- a mental block triggered by stress or anxiety -- and withdrew from events to prioritise her mental health.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

In "Simone Biles: Rising," Biles referred to her twisties at Tokyo as a "trauma response" to the abuse she endured by former team doctor, Larry Nassar, and its subsequent fallout.

From Salon • Aug. 1, 2024

Stephany Coakley, the senior associate athletic director for Mental Health Wellness and Performance at Temple and certified mental performance consultant, told Salon the twisties are usually caused by a stressful event.

From Salon • Aug. 1, 2024

I guess NBC had a case of the twisties.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2024

Classic — the 26-year-old’s first meet since her 2021 Tokyo Games was interrupted by a bout with “ the twisties ” — the words “Paris” and “2024” didn’t escape her lips.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 6, 2023