Where did the expression willy-nilly originate?
Where did the expression willy-nilly originate?
The Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology says it’s a contraction of “will I, nill I” or “will he, nill he” or “will ye, nill ye.” The word “nill” is from the Old English “nyllan,” a combination of “ne” (no) and “willan” (will). The phrase “willy-nilly” means “unwillingly” or “haphazardly.”
What does it mean when they say willy-nilly?
1 : by compulsion : without choice. 2 : in a haphazard or spontaneous manner.
Is Willy-Nilly an idiom?
1 do something whether you want to or not: She was forced willy-nilly to accept the company’s proposals. 2 do something in a careless way without planning: Don’t just use your credit card willy-nilly. This expression is a shortened form of ‘willing or not willing’.
Is Willy Nilly slang?
Meaning of willy-nilly in English willy-nilly. adverb. informal.
What does hokum mean in English?
1 : a device used (as by showmen) to evoke a desired audience response. 2 : pretentious nonsense : bunkum. Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About hokum.
Is willy-nilly a person?
in a disorganized or unplanned manner; sloppily. whether one wishes to or not; willingly or unwillingly: He’ll have to do it willy-nilly.
What does the idiom cash cow mean?
1 : a consistently profitable business, property, or product whose profits are used to finance a company’s investments in other areas. 2 : one regarded or exploited as a reliable source of money a singer deemed a cash cow for the record label.
What does loosey goosey mean in slang?
relaxed
: notably loose or relaxed : not tense a loosey-goosey attitude.
What does hokom mean?
What is the meaning of sweet whimsy?
whimsy Add to list Share. Whimsy is what a person who’s a dreamer and out of step with the real world might have lots of. People who are full of whimsy are odd, but often fanciful and lovely, like Harry Potter’s friend Luna Lovegood. Whimsy is also a whim — something you do just because you want to.
Can a person be called a cash cow?
English Language Learners Definition of cash cow : someone or something that makes a lot of money for a business, organization, etc.
What is the opposite of cash cow?
What is the opposite of cash cow?
| money pit | cash drain |
|---|---|
| financial burden | leech |
| money sinkhole | bottomless pit |
| bum | freeloader |
| sponge |