Buzz
Passing by a cemetery? On a terrible date? Or perhaps a terrible date that takes you to a cemetery? In such cases, you might just catch a case of 'the willies'—a term used to describe feelings of unease, fear, or discomfort.
But who or what exactly is a willy, and how did it come to represent the sensation of being creeped out?
When exploring the origins of this term, there are a few theories. One intriguing possibility points to a ballet from the 1840s in Paris. Giselle tells the story of a woman who falls for Prince Albrecht, a notorious womanizer. After she dies from heartbreak, she encounters other women who, like her, have been wronged by him.
The spirits are led by the Queen of the Wilis, and together they seek revenge on their former lovers still living on Earth. The spectacle of these Wilis may have terrified the audience, giving rise to the term 'the willies.'
Giselle drew inspiration from the Wilis, figures in Slavic folklore representing women who die before their wedding day. At midnight, these spirits rise to dance for their own enjoyment, and any man who witnesses them is doomed to die. Italian composer Giacomo Puccini later adapted the tale into La Villi in 1884.
In New Hampshire, there’s speculation that the tragic story of the Willey family may have inspired the phrase. In 1825, Samuel Willey Jr. moved his family to Crawford Notch, but in 1826, a devastating landslide struck. Though their house was spared, the family perished after fleeing the safety of their home. Their tragic fate could easily be described as 'the willies.'
Another theory suggests that the term could come from frontiersmen wearing wool underwear, known as 'woolies,' which often irritated them. The uncomfortable sensation might have become associated with general unease or discomfort.
Alternatively, it could stem from children calling each other 'willie-boy' instead of 'sissy.' If these kids were seen as skittish or weak, it makes sense that they might have been said to have 'the willies.'
To be fair to anyone named Willy or Willie, the name has certainly had its share of success. Boxer Willie Pep is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, with an incredible record of 242 bouts and 230 wins. Additionally, figures like Willie Nelson and Willie Mays would also likely vouch for its positive legacy.
