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Willy-Nilly
November 3, 2012 8:51 am
(@grantbarrett)
Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Will, a listener from South Burlington, Vermont, says he always considered willy-nilly to be his own special phrase. But he's realized over the years that its original meaning has been replaced. What was originated as will I, nill I or will he, nill he β that is, with or without the will of someone β has come to mean "haphazard." This transformation likely has to do with its rhyme. This is part of a complete episode.
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