Search Dictionary
The collywobbles Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries
Meaning
A state of nervousness, usually accompanied by a rumbling stomach.
Origin
This may not be related but colly is an English dialect word meaning coal dust. Blackbirds were hence known as colly birds. The song 'Twelve days of Christmas' is usually sung as ... my true love sent to me, four calling birds... but the actual line is 'four colly birds'.
© 2004 The Phrase Finder. Take a look at Phrase Finder’s sister site, the Phrases Thesaurus, a subscription service for professional writers & language lovers.A state of nervousness, usually accompanied by a rumbling stomach.
Origin
This may not be related but colly is an English dialect word meaning coal dust. Blackbirds were hence known as colly birds. The song 'Twelve days of Christmas' is usually sung as ... my true love sent to me, four calling birds... but the actual line is 'four colly birds'.
