willies

[wil-eez]

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Usually the willies nervousness or fright; the jitters; the creeps.

   That horror movie gave me the willies.

willies

/ ˈwɪlɪz /

plural noun

1. slang,  nervousness, jitters, or fright (esp in the phrase give ( or get ) the willies )

Word History and Origins

Origin of willies¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; origin obscure; -s ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of willies¹

C20: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

see under the creeps.

Related Words

• angst 
• apprehension 
• concern 
• disquiet 
• doubt 
• dread 
• jitters www.thesaurus.com
• misery 
• misgiving 
• mistrust 
• nervousness 
• panic 
• restlessness 
• suffering 
• suspense 
• trouble 
• uncertainty 
• unease 
• uneasiness www.thesaurus.com