WILLIES Meaning and
Definition
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The term "willies" is a noun in informal English that refers to a feeling of unease, nervousness, or mild paranoia. Often used in the plural form, "the willies," it is commonly associated with a sense of discomfort or apprehension experienced in response to something eerie, creepy, or unsettling. While it lacks a specific origin, the word is believed to have informal early 20th-century American origins.
This colloquial expression typically describes a shivery or creepy sensation that may manifest as a slight physical discomfort, such as the hair standing on end or a chill down the spine. The willies can be induced by a variety of situations or factors, including scary stories, haunting places, supernatural encounters, or eerie atmospheres. It is not uncommon for people to feel the willies when watching a suspenseful horror film, walking alone in a dimly lit area, or encountering certain insects or reptiles that cause a sense of dread.
Used in everyday conversation or informal writing, the term "willies" is often employed to convey a lighthearted sense of unease. It serves as a way to express mild fear, sometimes coupled with a sense of fascination or curiosity. The experiencing of the willies may vary from person to person, as some individuals are more prone to this sensation than others.
Top Common Misspellings for WILLIES *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WILLIES
Etymology of WILLIES
The word "willies" is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, predominantly in British English. The exact etymology of the term is uncertain, but it is thought to be derived from the name "William" or "Will".
One popular theory suggests that it stems from the phrase "the horrors", often used to describe a feeling of intense fear or unease. "Horrors" could have been abbreviated to "W's", a colloquial term for the letter "W" which sounds like "double U". Consequently, "the horrors" could have become "the double U's" and eventually led to the shortened form "the willies".
Another theory is that the term "willies" derived from the slang term "willy-nilly", meaning without order or plan. This could have been used to describe a feeling of unease or discomfort.
Idioms with the word WILLIES
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give sb the creeps/willies
The idiom "give someone the creeps/willies" means to cause someone to feel a strong sense of unease, discomfort, or fear. It is often used when describing a situation, person, or thing that elicits an inexplicable sense of discomfort or makes someone feel unsettled.
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give you the willies
The idiom "give you the willies" refers to making someone feel uneasy, anxious, or scared. It describes a sensation of being creeped out or experiencing a shiver down one's spine.
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give (one) the willies
The idiom "give (one) the willies" means to make someone feel uneasy, nervous, or frightened. It typically refers to something that causes an eerie or creepy feeling, leading to discomfort or a sense of dread.
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give somebody the willies/heebie-jeebies/creeps
To give somebody the willies/heebie-jeebies/creeps means to cause someone to feel scared, uneasy, or nervous. It typically refers to a feeling of discomfort or fear that is difficult to explain.
Similar spelling words for WILLIES
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