yips

[ yips ]

plural noun

, Sports.

1. the sudden and unexplained loss of a motor skill used in a sport, as with a smooth golf swing reduced to a stuttering one, experienced by athletes who had previously mastered the required movements.

yips

/ jɪps /

plural noun

1. the yips informal.
   (in sport, originally esp golf) nervous twitching or tension that destroys concentration and spoils performance

Word History and Origins

Origin of yips¹

First recorded in 1960–65; origin obscure

Word History and Origins

Origin of yips¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Rhythm and beauty of style can hardly be achieved by staccato yips.

From Project Gutenberg

No one else is able to make such good cookies as I have cooked, as you and all the Yips know.

From Project Gutenberg

But he has lived many years among the Yips, who have found him so wise and intelligent that they always go to him for advice.

From Project Gutenberg

On the second day the Yips began to wish they had not embarked on this adventure.

From Project Gutenberg

Cayke was not satisfied, but the other Yips seemed to approve the plan highly.

From Project Gutenberg