noun

collywobbles

collywobbles, butterflies in the stomach, jitters

I always get the collywobbles before a big exam.

I always get the jitters before a big exam.

to have/get the collywobbles to feel nervous or anxious I always get the collywobbles before a speech.

Synonyms: jitters, butterflies (in the stomach), nerves, anxiety

Origin uncertain. Possibly a humorous blend of 'colic' and 'wobble'.

Imagine your 'colon' is 'wobbling' from nerves. It's a funny-sounding word for a nervous feeling in your stomach.

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