Pronunciation: [wˈɜːmz ˈɪn] (IPA) 
The spelling of "worms in" may seem straightforward, but it contains a few tricky sounds. First, the "or" sound is spelled with a single letter "o". Then, the "m" and "s" sounds blend together in pronunciation, represented by the single letter "s" in the spelling. Finally, the "in" ending contains the sound "ih" as in "sit", represented by the letter "i". Altogether, the IPA transcription for "worms in" is /wɔrms ɪn/.
"Worms in" is a colloquial expression used to describe a feeling of intense discomfort or agitation, often associated with guilt or anxiety. The phrase conveys the sensation of having something unpleasant or unsettling gnawing within oneself, similar to how worms wriggle and burrow inside the earth. It is often used metaphorically to describe a guilty conscience or remorse.
When someone says they have "worms in," they are indicating a state of inner turmoil, uneasiness, or restlessness due to a hidden fear, wrongdoing, or unresolved issue. This may manifest in physical symptoms like a tightness in the stomach or an overall feeling of unease. The notion of worms exacerbates the negative connotation of the state, emphasizing the relentless and unsettling nature of the discomfort.
The phrase can be traced back to ancient times when worms were often associated with decay, corruption, and unwanted infestations. It has since been ingrained in colloquial language, capturing the concept of an incessant mental unease that cannot be easily ignored or dismissed.
Overall, "worms in" encompasses the psychological experience of a troubled conscience or unresolved conflict, evoking the image of wriggling worms that consume one's peace of mind and provoke a persistent and distressing sense of inner turmoil.
The phrase "worms in" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two separate words: "worms" and "in".
"Worms" can have different origins depending on its context. It can refer to elongated, soft-bodied invertebrates or parasites, which ultimately comes from the Old English word "wyrm". It can also refer to computer programs that self-replicate and spread, which is borrowed from the Middle English word "worme" meaning "serpent" or "dragon".
"In" is a preposition that comes from the Old English word "innan", meaning "inside" or "within".
When combined, the phrase "worms in" implies the presence of worms or parasites inside something or software programs that self-replicate and spread within a system.
