whirligig
In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "whirligig" is anything that spins or twirls - a toy top, a pinwheel, a yard ornament, or even an insect skimming a pond. The word carries a playful, old-time feel.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
My Momma always called 'em whirligigs growin' up. I still do. Us kids called 'em 'helicopters,' too. Pronunciation
[WURL-ee-gig]
Meaning & Usage
- A toy or object that spins (noun)
Mae:
Lookit that whirligig spinnin’ in the wind.
Lookit that whirligig spinnin’ in the wind.
Earl:
Made it outta a soda can and a stick.
Made it outta a soda can and a stick.- A playful contraption or trinket (noun)
Mae:
Every booth’s got some kinda whirligig twirlin’.
Every booth’s got some kinda whirligig twirlin’.
Earl:
Kids’ll beg ya for one every time.
Kids’ll beg ya for one every time.other spellings: pinwheel, spinner, top, twirler, yard spinner, whirligig beetle, and whirlibird
★ Whirligigs show up in old folk crafts - from button spinners to hand-carved yard ornaments. If it whirls, hill folks might call it a whirligig. ★
Origin
From Middle English *whirlen* (to whirl) + *gigge* (toy, top). The word came over with early English settlers and stuck in Appalachian and Southern folk talk, especially for toys and handmade gadgets.
Notes
Still common in Appalachian and Southern families, especially for toys, crafts, and yard spinners. The word adds a playful, old-time flavor even outside the region.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it bouncy: "wur-lee-gig." Stress on the first part.