The common expression "butterflies in stomach" is often used to describe a feeling of nervousness or excitement. The correct spelling of the word is "butterflies," with the emphasis on the second syllable. The vowel sound in the first syllable is an "uh" sound, represented with the symbol ə in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), while the second syllable has a long "i" sound, represented with the symbol aɪ. Together they form the phonetic transcription of bʌtərˌflaɪz in ˈstʌmək.
The phrase "butterflies in the stomach" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the sensation of nervousness or excitement felt in the abdomen, typically in situations involving anticipation or anxiety. This idiom describes the fluttering feeling experienced in the pit of one's stomach, often likened to the sensation of small butterflies flying around.
When someone is said to have "butterflies in the stomach," it signifies a state of heightened emotional arousal, commonly associated with anticipation before important events such as public speaking, performances, or first dates. It is characterized by a mix of positive and negative emotions where the individual may feel a combination of nervousness, excitement, and a slightly unsteady or queasy feeling.
This phenomenon can be attributed to the body's physiological response to stress and the release of stress hormones, particularly adrenaline. The increase in adrenaline triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, leading to various physical reactions, including increased heart rate, faster breathing, and the sensation of butterflies fluttering in the stomach.
The expression is metaphorical, as it refers to the fluttering movements resembling those of butterflies, without actually involving the presence of real butterflies. It has become a widely recognized figure of speech used to describe the physiological sensations associated with certain emotional states.