charley horse

Definition

A muscle cramp, usually a strong one, in the thigh, leg, arm, or core.

Etymology

The term may date back to American slang of the 1880s, and is possibly from the pitcher Charlie "Old Hoss" Radbourn, who is said to have suffered from cramps.

Example Sentences

• "Of course there had been plenty of bruises—one mild case of charley-horse, several dislocated or sprained fingers, a wrenched ankle or two and any number of cuts and scrapes, […]"
• "I knew to just keep my mouth shut about it — unless I wanted the word "dummy" to be followed by a charley horse."