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. the willies 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
• misery
• misgiving
• mistrust
• nervousness
• panic
• restlessness
• suffering
• suspense
• trouble
• uncertainty
• unease
• uneasiness