joystick

[joi-stik] /ˈdʒɔɪˌstɪk/
noun
1.
Informal. the control stick of an airplane, tank, or other vehicle.
2.
Computers. a lever resembling this, used to control movement of a cursor or other graphic element for video games and computer graphics.
Compare mouse (def 4), stylus (def 3).
3.
any leverlike switch for controlling, manipulating, guiding, or the like.
Also, joy stick.
Origin
1905-10; joy + stick1
British Dictionary definitions for joy-stick

joystick

/ˈdʒɔɪˌstɪk/
noun
1.
(informal) the control stick of an aircraft or of any of various machines
2.
(computing) a lever by means of which the display on a screen may be controlled used esp for games, flight simulators, etc
Word Origin and History for joy-stick

joystick

n.

also joy stick, 1910, aviators' slang for the control lever of an airplane, from joy + stick (n.).

Slang definitions & phrases for joy-stick

joy-stick

noun
  1. The control lever of an airplane (1910+)
  2. The steering wheel of a car, esp a hot rod (1950s+ Hot rodders)
  3. The control lever for a computer or video game (1967+)
  4. An opium pipe (1940s+ Narcotics)
  5. (also joy-knob) The penis (1920+)

[the origin of the control-lever senses is uncertain; perhaps fr the tremulous shaking of the stick, perhaps fr the joyful sensation experienced while flying]