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haywire

The origin and history of haywire.

Etymology

From logging camps around 1905, where flimsy equipment held together with hay-bale wire was called a "haywire outfit" — the phrase "go haywire" grew from that image of things falling apart or tangling unpredictably.

· First attested 1905

Class of 1905

haywire first entered the language around 1905. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1905 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.