Willy nilly

Posted by David FG on June 16, 2005

In Reply to: Willy nilly posted by Gary on June 16, 2005

: Just to start things off, I wonder if anyone has come across this derivation. In Neal Stephenson's Baroque Trilogy (which is a very good read by the way, despite needing a handcart to lift) he writes willy nilly as 'will he, nill he'. I can't find any reference to that anywhere and it's quite possible Stephenson made it up. Having got most of the way through these books it's clear that he isn't short on imagination.

: I've not seen that before - anyone else?

I have seen that, a long time ago and I can't remember where. It strikes me as being a bit unlikely.

DFG

• Willy nilly Bruce Kahl 16/June/05
  • Willy nilly Smokey Stover 17/June/05
    • Willy nilly Victoria S Dennis 17/June/05
      • Why I love this site Bob 17/June/05