Learn English – If you’re “balled up” why are you confused

expressionsidiom-meaningidiomsslang

I believe the expression 'balled up' dates back to the first decade of the twentieth century and I believe it means 'confused' but I'm all balled up as to why it means 'confused'.

The only explanation I may offer, and I may be all wet, is that if documents or papers are rounded into a ball or "balled up" they cannot be read. Anything with writing or displaying pictures on it that are "balled up" aren't plainly visible and may likely confuse a person. That's my only guess and I'm sure I'm mistaken.

Any thoughts and ideas as to why balled up means confused?

Best Answer

AHD-Idioms 2nd Edn. p.29

ball up

2. Confuse or bungle, ... This term may come from the fact that when a horse is driven over soft or party thawed snow, the snow becomes packed into icy balls on its hoofs, making it stumble. Another theory is that it alludes to the vulgar term balls for testicles. [First half of 1900s]

I find the first theory more credible, though.

Related Topic