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MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Where Does “Willy-Nilly” Come From?
When doing something “willy-nilly”, you’re doing it haphazardly, with no planning or forethought, especially about the consequences of your actions. It’s a peculiar turn of phrase that’s been in our language since the early 1600s (1608, to be specific, according to the earliest example in the Oxford English Dictionary). But how willy-nilly originated, though, goes further back in time than that.
“Willy-nilly” is actually a running-together of an earlier 4-word phrase, variously recorded in the 16th century in forms such as “will ye nill ye”, “will he nill he”, and “will I nill I”. Both the “will” & “nill” are verbs, to which the ye/he/I pronouns gradually became attached over time, leading to the compounded rhyme of “willy-nilly”. Over the years, several other forms of this same phrase came & went (like nilling, willing, and even william-nilliam). But only “willy-nilly” stood the test of time.
The “will” in willy-nilly is actually the same verb we have in our modern English, albeit with a slightly different usage. Back in Old & Middle English, “will” could be used to mean “to want, wish for, or desire”. And it was through that notion of being determined to achieve or obtain something that the word “will” would go on to signal a future tense action (“I will do that tomorrow”).
As for the “nill”, that was simply the negative form of “will” in Old English, so it implied the direct opposite, to be unwilling, or to have no wish or desire to have or do something. Pairing will & nill together in sing-songy formations like “will he nill he” was probably just a natural way of contrasting those two opposing states of mind.
So, when those two root verbs (will & nill) were put together, as “will he nill he”, what it basically implied was “whether he wishes it or not”. And from there, “willy-nilly” went on to be used for any careless, unthinking, or haphazard action.
Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me an email: [email protected].
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BPG USA
House of the Week – 11/8/24
🌿🏡 Discover your retreat at 6100 Mountain Church Rd, Jefferson, MD 21755!
Priced at $470,000.
Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, nestled on a sprawling 1.9 acres of serene land. Just minutes away from Middletown and Brunswick, this property combines tranquil living with convenience.
Home Highlights:
– 🍳 Modern kitchen with updated cabinets, granite countertops, and recent appliances for a sleek, functional cooking space.
– 🌄 Large windows were replaced 8 years ago, offering stunning views and flooding the home with natural light.
– 🏠 Roof replaced in 2017 and HVAC system updated in 2022, ensuring comfort and reliability.
– 🌲 Vast acreage featuring a 4-wheeler track and a woodland trail, perfect for outdoor adventures right in your backyard.
Whether you’re expanding your family, seeking a peaceful escape, or looking for an adventure-filled lifestyle, this home offers the ideal blend of comfort, modern amenities, and breathtaking natural surroundings. 🌳💫
Experience the beauty of rural living with all the modern conveniences you need. Come see why this should be your next home! #NatureHome #JeffersonMD
House of the Week – 11/1/24
🌟🏡 Welcome to 15320 Sixes Rd, Emmitsburg, MD! Priced at $325,000.
Discover this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom rancher, beautifully updated and set against a tranquil pastoral backdrop. Ideal for those seeking the ease of single-story living, this home blends modern touches with timeless comfort.
🛠️ Recent Updates Include:
– 🏠 New roof installed less than 2 years ago
– ❄️ Updated HVAC system about 4 years ago for optimal comfort and efficiency
– 🍳 Stylishly renovated kitchen this year with new cabinets and countertops
– 🌿 Durable and modern Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring throughout
Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the comfort of your new home, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace and tranquility. Whether you’re downsizing, buying your first home, or simply searching for a well-maintained property in a peaceful setting, this rancher offers an exceptional living experience. 🌼🏡
Don’t miss out on making this idyllic spot your own
About Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning has been proudly serving & “wowing” customers across the eastern panhandle for over 27 years. They’re also licensed to work in the four-state area, as well.
Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning does more than provide heating & air-conditioning services…they provide their customers with an excellent experience. They’re proud to welcome their customers to comfort by providing every individual with exceptional service & top-of-the-line technical expertise. And all of Johnson & Johnson’s employees are well-trained & fully-equipped with the knowledge necessary to ensure that all your comfort needs will be met.
To learn more, or to become a customer, give them a call at (304) 209-6932, or visit them online at JandJComfort.com.