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Wiggle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wiggle

[หˆwษชษกษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

movement

To move with short, quick, irregular movements from side to side or up and down.

Synonyms

jiggle, squirm, wriggle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wiggle

Often used to describe small, quick movements back and forth. Commonly used for children, small animals, or objects that move easily.

  • The puppy wiggled its tail excitedly.
  • She wiggled her fingers to show off her new rings.
squirm

Used when someone is uncomfortable or trying to escape. Often suggests a sense of unease or impatience.

  • The child squirmed in his seat during the long lecture.
  • He tried not to squirm while getting his vaccination.
wriggle

Describes twisting or turning movements, often to get through a tight space or to free oneself. Commonly used for worms, small animals, or people in tight situations.

  • The worm wriggled out of the soil.
  • She wriggled through the small opening in the fence.
jiggle

Describes quick, jerky movements, usually of a loose or soft object. Often used for objects like jelly, keys, or the body.

  • He jiggled the key in the lock until it finally opened.
  • She jiggled the bowl of jelly to check if it was set.

Examples of usage

  • The puppy wiggled its tail in excitement.
  • She wiggled her toes in the sand at the beach.
Context #2 | Noun

dance

A dance or movement in which the body is twisted or gyrated in a lively or playful manner.

Synonyms

gyrate, shimmy, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wiggle

Wiggle is used for small, quick movements, often implying discomfort, nervousness, or playfulness.

  • The worm wiggled on the hook
  • The child couldn't sit still and wiggled in his seat
twist

Twist is used for movements where something is turned or rotated, often implying a change in direction or shape.

  • He twisted the cap off the bottle
  • The road twists and turns through the mountains
gyrate

Gyrate is used when describing larger, circular or spiral movements, often in a rhythmic or energetic manner.

  • The dancers gyrated to the beat of the music
  • The washing machine gyrated violently during the spin cycle
shimmy

Shimmy is commonly used to describe a shaking or vibrating movement, frequently in dance or when something jiggles. It often has a playful or exciting connotation.

  • She did a shimmy on the dance floor
  • The car shimmied as it sped up

Examples of usage

  • The children performed a fun wiggle dance at the school talent show.
  • She added some hip wiggles to her salsa routine.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Wiggle songs and dances have been popular, especially in children's mediaโ€”think of catchy tunes that encourage kids to move around!
  • In the hit song 'Wiggle' by Jason Derulo, the word represents fun, playful dancing and body movement.
  • Animated characters often wiggle to express excitement or joy, adding humor and liveliness to stories.

Science

  • Wiggling can be observed in the animal kingdom, such as how snakes move or how jellyfish glide through water.
  • Studies in physics show that vibrations (a form of wiggling) can affect sound waves, influencing music and acoustics.
  • In biology, some organisms use wiggling as a form of locomotion, allowing them to navigate through their environment.

Psychology

  • Wiggling can be a physical response to nervousness or excitement; it often helps to release pent-up energy.
  • Movement like wiggling can enhance cognitive function; some studies show that children who are allowed to move tend to concentrate better.
  • In therapy, practitioners sometimes encourage physical wiggling to help individuals express emotions and reduce stress.

Literature

  • In children's literature, characters often wiggle to illustrate joy or to get out of tricky situations.
  • Wiggle is a common theme in playful poetry, emphasizing movement and rhythm to engage young readers.
  • Authors like Mo Willems have popularized wiggling as an expressive movement in storytelling, encouraging kids to move along with the text.

Origin of 'wiggle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wiggle' dates back to the 16th century, originally used as a verb meaning to shake or squirm.
  • It comes from the Middle English word 'wyglen,' which means to move quickly or to twist.
  • The playful sound of the word suggests a light, amusing kind of movement, reflecting its meaning.

The word 'wiggle' originated in the 14th century, deriving from the Middle English word 'wigelen,' meaning to totter or wobble. Over time, it evolved to describe quick, irregular movements. The term is often associated with playful or lively actions, such as dance moves or the movement of animals.

See also: periwig, wig.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,505, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.