Whim
/wɪm/noun
A sudden, impulsive desire or change of mind.
Did you know?Whim entered English in the 17th century as a slangy, slippery word for a sudden fancy, and its origin is obscure enough that even lexicographers can’t pin it to one certain source.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
English
whim
“A sudden fancy, caprice, or odd notion.”
17th Century
English
whim-wham
“A trinket, toy, or fanciful object; something trivial or whimsical.”
Unknown
English
whim
“Origin uncertain; possibly related to dialectal or expressive forms suggesting a quick, airy motion or a sudden impulse.”
Modern English
English
whim
“A sudden, impulsive desire or change of mind.”