Haywire: meaning, definitions and examples
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haywire
[ˈheɪˌwaɪər ]
Definition
general use
The term 'haywire' is often used to describe something that is out of control or not functioning properly. It conveys a sense of chaos or disarray. This word originated from the actions taken with haywire, a wire used to bind bales of hay, often resulting in tangled messes. In a modern context, you might hear someone say their plans went haywire, indicating unexpected complications. The term is frequently employed in informal speech.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- My schedule went haywire after the meeting was canceled.
- The project fell apart when the budget went haywire.
- When the computer crashed, everything went haywire.
- His emotions were haywire after hearing the news.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'haywire' originated from the use of wire used for binding bales of hay, which would often become tangled and messy.
- It started being used in the early 20th century and was originally a noun referring to the thin wire used in farming.
- Over time, it transformed into an adjective to describe situations that are chaotic or dysfunctional.
Pop Culture
- The phrase became popular in the mid-20th century and has been widely used in movies and television to depict chaotic situations.
- In songs and lyrics, 'haywire' often symbolizes emotions or events spiraling out of control, emphasizing a sense of confusion or disorder.
- Television shows often use the term during plot moments where technology fails or plans go wrong, making it a relatable catchphrase.
Psychology
- When life feels 'haywire,' it often refers to stress, anxiety, or overwhelming feelings which many people experience.
- Describing something as going haywire can be a way of expressing frustration with a loss of control in one’s daily experiences.
- In therapy, addressing 'haywire' feelings can be a pathway toward regaining control and finding strategies to cope.
Science
- In computer science, 'haywire' can refer to systems or algorithms that don’t perform as expected due to glitches or bugs.
- Observations of natural systems can also go 'haywire' when unexpected variables influence the outcome, much like unpredictable ecosystems.
- Researchers often study why certain experiments go haywire to improve future methodologies.
Literature
- Authors use 'haywire' to depict characters undergoing chaotic life changes, symbolizing confusion and transformation.
- In poetry, the imagery of 'haywire' can evoke feelings of disorder and unpredictability in life's journey.
- Classic literature often portrays situations going haywire as a catalyst for character development and plot progression.
Translations
Translations of the word "haywire" in other languages:
🇵🇹 descontrolado
🇮🇳 बिगड़ना
🇩🇪 durcheinander
🇮🇩 berantakan
🇺🇦 безлад
🇵🇱 chaotyczny
🇯🇵 混乱した
🇫🇷 désordonné
🇪🇸 descontrolado
🇹🇷 düzen dışı
🇰🇷 엉망인
🇸🇦 غير منظم
🇨🇿 nepořádný
🇸🇰 chaotický
🇨🇳 混乱的
🇸🇮 nered
🇮🇸 óreiða
🇰🇿 бұзылған
🇬🇪 არეულობა
🇦🇿 qarışıqlıq
🇲🇽 descontrolado