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Wiggly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wiggly

[ˈwɪɡli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

physical movement

Wiggly describes something that moves in a twisting or squirming motion. This term is often used to refer to the movements of small creatures, like worms or children, when they fidget. It can also describe how objects behave when agitated or shaken. The adjective conveys a sense of liveliness and unpredictability in motion.

Synonyms

fidgety, squirmy, twisting.

Examples of usage

  • The puppy was wiggly with excitement.
  • She danced in a wiggly manner, swaying her hips.
  • The wiggly jelly on the plate looked delicious.
Context #2 | Adjective

characteristic description

Used to describe something that is not straight or has an irregular shape, wiggly can refer to lines, paths, or surfaces that are curvy or undulating. This usage can apply to art, design, or even engineering, where a non-linear element is needed or desired.

Synonyms

curvy, undulating, zigzag.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used wiggly lines to convey movement.
  • I drew a wiggly path on the map.
  • The wiggly borders of the island added character to the map.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, many small creatures, like earthworms, exhibit wiggly movements as they navigate through soil.
  • Wiggly patterns are often a sign of certain animal behaviors, indicating curiosity or excitement.

Literature

  • Children's books frequently use wiggly characters, like squiggly worms or playful puppies, to engage the imagination.
  • The concept of wiggly is often featured in poems and stories to describe joyful movement.

Psychology

  • Wiggly movements can indicate playfulness or relaxation, often used in play therapy to help children express feelings.
  • The inability to sit still can reflect excitement or anxiety, making the term relevant in understanding body language.

Pop Culture

  • Animated shows often feature wiggly characters, like the beloved 'Wiggle Worm' to symbolize fun and energy.
  • In dance, 'wiggly' movements are celebrated, as seen in styles like modern dance where fluidity is key.

Origin of 'wiggly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wiggly' is derived from the Old English word 'wigl,' meaning to move with twists.
  • It is often used to describe the motion of snakes or other creatures that slither.

The word 'wiggly' is a playful and descriptive term that emerged in the English language in the early 19th century. It is derived from the verb 'wiggle,' which means to move with quick, jerky movements, and is thought to originate from the Middle English word 'wiglen,' which meant to shake or to sway. The term captures a sense of playful motion, often associated with the movements of both small animals and children. 'Wiggle' itself has been influenced by similar expressions in German and Dutch, where variations of 'wiggen' and 'wijken' refer to moving slightly or shifting position. As English evolved, 'wiggly' became a common adjective used to describe not only physical movements but also abstract concepts such as lines or paths that deviate from a straight or expected route.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,533, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.