Word Origin & History
shiver"small piece," c.1200, probably related to M.L.G. schever, schiver "splinter," from P.Gmc. *skif- "split" (cf. O.H.G. skivaro, Ger. Schiefer "splinter, slate"). The verb, "to break in or into pieces" is attested from c.1200. Chiefly in phrases to shivers and shiver me timbers (1835), "a mock oath attributed
EXPANDin comic fiction to sailors" [OED]. My timbers! as a nautical oath is attested from 1789 (see
timber). Also, shiver is still dial. for "splinter (n.)" in Norfolk and Lincolnshire.
COLLAPSE