- merry-go-round (n.)
- 1729, from merry (adj.) + go (v.) + round. Figurative use by 1838. Merry-totter (mid-15c.) was a Middle English name for a swing or see-saw. Also cf. merry-go-down "strong ale" (c.1500); merry-go-sorry "a mix of joy and sorrow" (1590s).