Quick answer
Collywobbles means stomach upset or nervous fluttering. It is usually pronounced KOL-ee-wob-uhlz, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Collywobbles
Collywobbles means stomach upset or nervous fluttering. It belongs to funny-sounding words and works best in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
funny-soundingquirkymemorable
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, collywobbles refers to stomach upset or nervous fluttering. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Collywobbles feels absurd because it sounds slightly overengineered, as if English kept bolting on syllables until the word itself became part of the performance.
Origin and history
The origin note most often attached to collywobbles is: probably 19th-century playful formation. Where the history is not fully settled, the safest thing to say is that the word’s sound and tone have helped keep it memorable.
Is this word still used today?
Collywobbles is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- I always get the collywobbles before speaking in public.
- One questionable oyster gave him the collywobbles for the rest of the evening.
- She felt a touch of collywobbles as the results envelope was opened.
- The child announced his collywobbles with great drama and no small volume.
When should you use this word?
Use collywobbles when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce.
Similar words
Jitters, Butterflies, Queasiness, Nerves, Heebie-jeebies
Opposite or contrasting words
Calm, Ease, Steadiness
Common questions
- What does collywobbles mean? Stomach upset or nervous fluttering.
- How do you pronounce collywobbles? It is commonly pronounced KOL-ee-wob-uhlz.
- Is collywobbles still used today? Collywobbles is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use collywobbles? Use collywobbles when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce.
- What words are similar to collywobbles? Similar words include Jitters, Butterflies, Queasiness, and Nerves.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.