Squitters

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. Informal slang for an attack of diarrhoea, often used in the phrase having the runs ; to chirp, twitter or scurry about in quick, jerky, nervous motions
2. A colloquial name for loose, frequent bowel movements ; to make rapid, high-pitched twittering sounds or move about in a fluttery, jittery manner
3. Casual British slang meaning a bout of diarrhoea ; a verb describing rapid, shrill twittering noises or restless, scurrying movements by small creatures

Etymology: "Squitters" is the plural of "squitter," which in its noun and verb uses carries the sense of rapid, scattered movement, as in the nervous jitters or the scurry of small creatures. The noun "squitter" is formed from "squit," a verb meaning to squirt, with the agentive suffix "-er" added, so the word describes something that squirts or spurts out in quick bursts. The most useful comparison is "skitter," a word for light, darting, skidding movement. The two share a sound pattern and a sense of quick, scattered motion, and the relationship suggests that "squitter" grew up alongside "skitter" in the same family of expressive, onomatopoeic verbs for brisk, uneven movement.

Synonyms: jitters, nerves, flutters

Antonyms: calmness, composure