- A physical sensation of nervousness, excitement, or anxiety felt in the stomach, often associated with anticipation, romantic attraction, or performing in front of others.
- It feels like a fluttering or churning sensation.
Explanation
Origin
- The phrase likely comes from the actual physical sensation caused by the body's fight-or-flight response.
- When nervous or excited, adrenaline is released, which can affect digestion and cause muscle tension or spasms in the stomach area, creating a fluttering feeling that is metaphorically described as butterflies.
- It's been used since at least the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Nerves are shot (implies more intense anxiety)
- Feeling amped (more excited/energized, can have nervous edge)
- Stomach in knots (implies more anxiety/worry)
Milder:
- A little nervous
- Feeling excited
- Anticipation
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal. Perfectly fine in most personal conversations.
- Might sound a bit colloquial or overly personal in very formal business settings, but generally understood and harmless.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Unlikely to be misunderstood literally. The key is understanding it represents a specific physical sensation tied to nervousness and/or excitement.
Examples
- I always get butterflies in my stomach before a big presentation.
- Every time I see her, I get butterflies in my stomach.
- He asked me out, and I felt butterflies in my stomach!
Dialogue
Maria: Are you ready for your date tonight?
Chloe: I think so! I'm also really nervous. I've got major butterflies in my stomach.
Maria: Aw, that's cute! It just means you really like him. Have fun!
Chloe: Thanks! I hope it goes well.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: First day at the new job tomorrow! Feeling a mix of excitement and butterflies in my stomach. Wish me luck! #newjob #nervous
- Instagram Caption: Picture with a partner. Still get butterflies in my stomach after all this time. ❤️
- Facebook Status: Anyone else get butterflies in their stomach just thinking about the season finale tonight?! 😬 #TVshow #excited
Response Patterns
- Relating/Empathy: Aw, that's sweet! (if romantic) / Yeah, I know that feeling. / Deep breaths!
- Question: Oh yeah? Why? / Are you nervous or excited?
- Encouragement: That's a good sign! (if romantic/excitement) / You'll do great! (if performance anxiety)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they have butterflies in their stomach:
- Ask about the cause: What's making you feel that way? or Thinking about [person/event]?
- Offer reassurance or share excitement: That's adorable! or Don't worry, you'll nail the presentation.
- Suggest calming techniques (if anxiety): Try taking some deep breaths.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a personal feeling, usually in response to a situation or question.
Intonation
- Emphasis often on butterflies. Can also stress stomach.
- Usually said with a tone reflecting the feeling itself – excitement, nervousness, or slight anxiety. I've got BUTterflies in my STOMach.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across all generations. It's a very common and enduring idiom.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.