Jitters

Jitters

Noun (plural) · /ˈdʒɪt.əz/

Definition

Feelings of extreme nervousness, anxiety, or apprehension, especially before an important event; the jitters is the condition of being very nervous.

Origin

Of uncertain origin; possibly related to chitter (to shiver or shudder) or from a dialectal use of jitter (to move in a twitching manner). Used in American English from the early 20th century.