atwitter

atwitter refers to a state of being agitated, nervous, or uneasy. It describes a feeling of nervous energy or restlessness, often accompanied by a sense of anticipation or apprehension. A person who is atwitter might be fidgety, prone to rapid speech, or have a general air of being on edge. This state can arise from various situations, such as waiting for important news, experiencing a stressful event, or anticipating a significant change. The word suggests a fluttering or quivering sensation, akin to a bird's wings beating rapidly. It is often used to describe a collective mood as well, where a group of people are all experiencing a similar state of heightened anxiety or excitement. While not a clinical term, atwitter captures a common human emotional experience.