Yo-yo

Pronunciation

Origin

Formerly a trademark. Most likely from Filipino Ilokano "yóyo"

Full definition of yo-yo

Noun

1. A toy consisting of a spheroidal or cylindrical spindle having a circular groove in which string is wound; it is used by holding the string in the fingers and reeling the spindle up and down by movements of the wrist.
2. (finance) A volatile market that moves up and down.
3. (informal) Someone who vacillates.
4. (informal) A foolish, annoying or incompetent person.It is hard to watch the management for very long and not conclude that the place is run by a bunch of yo-yos.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To vacillate; to move up and down.

Derived terms

• yo-yo dieting