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Wriggler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wriggler

[ˈrɪɡlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in nature

A person or creature that wriggles; a squirming or twisting motion.

Synonyms

squirming creature, twisting organism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wriggler

As mentioned earlier, this can describe small creatures or even people, particularly focusing on the constant, small movements.

  • He caught a wriggler on his hook while fishing.
  • During the car ride, the kid was a restless wriggler.
squirming creature

Used when emphasizing the uncomfortable or distressed movements of a living being, suggesting it is trying to escape or is in discomfort.

  • The fisherman picked up the squirming creature with his bait.
  • She tried to hold the squirming creature, but it was too slippery.
twisting organism

Typically refers to more complex or larger creatures that make twisting movements. Can be used in a more scientific or descriptive context.

  • The scientist observed the twisting organism under the microscope.
  • The twisting organism moved through the water gracefully.

Examples of usage

  • The wriggler made its way through the mud.
  • The little wriggler tried to escape from the bird.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A small child, especially one who is restless or fidgety.

Synonyms

fidgety kid, restless child.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wriggler

Used to describe a child who can't stay still and moves a lot in their seat or on the spot.

  • Tom is such a wriggler during dinner time; he can hardly sit still for a minute.
  • In class, Sarah is always a little wriggler, constantly shifting in her chair.
restless child

Suitable for describing a child who has difficulty staying calm or focused, often because they have a lot of energy or are feeling anxious.

  • Before the school performance, the teachers found it hard to calm the restless children.
  • After eating too much candy, Mike was a restless child who just couldn't sit still.
fidgety kid

Best used to describe a child who is always playing with objects, moving their hands, or can't stay calm, often due to boredom or anxiety.

  • The fidgety kid in the waiting room played with everything on the table.
  • During the long car trip, Jason was such a fidgety kid, he couldn't stop tapping his feet and playing with his toy.

Examples of usage

  • The wriggler wouldn't sit still during the meal.
  • She's a little wriggler, always on the move.
Context #3 | Noun

slang

A person who is involved in deceitful or shady activities.

Synonyms

deceiver, schemer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wriggler

This term is often used to describe a person or an animal that moves in a twisting or squirming manner, usually to avoid capture or to express discomfort. It can also be metaphorically used to describe someone who avoids straightforward actions or conversations.

  • The child was such a wriggler that it was hard to get him to sit still for a photograph.
  • During the interview, he acted like a wriggler, dodging difficult questions.
deceiver

This word is generally used to describe someone who intentionally misleads others with false information or pretenses. It carries a negative connotation, highlighting dishonesty and betrayal.

  • He was branded a deceiver after it was revealed that he had faked his credentials.
  • Being a deceiver, she managed to con several people out of their savings.
schemer

Schemer is used to describe someone who is involved in planning or plotting, often with a cunning or deceitful aspect. This word can have a slightly negative tone, suggesting manipulation and hidden motives.

  • The political candidate was seen as a schemer, always involved in backdoor deals.
  • Despite his reputation as a schemer, he managed to implement effective policies.

Examples of usage

  • He's a known wriggler, always trying to scheme his way out of trouble.
  • Watch out for that wriggler, he can't be trusted.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Many invertebrates use wriggling motions to navigate through their environments, like earthworms in soil.
  • Wriggling is a key survival behavior; some animals escape predators by wiggling away quickly.
  • Certain fish, like eels, are known for their wriggling movements, which help them swim with agility.

Pop Culture

  • In animation, characters often wriggle or squirm to show excitement or nervousness, making them more relatable.
  • The children's song 'Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle' encourages dancing and moving, linking the idea of wigglers to fun activities.
  • Cartoons often feature wriggling characters to create humor, emphasizing their quirky and lively nature.

Education

  • Wiggling can enhance learning by engaging children through movement, helping them remember concepts better.
  • Teachers often use wriggling motions to illustrate concepts in science, such as the movement of animals and their habitats.
  • Physical education incorporates wriggling activities, teaching children the importance of physical fitness through playful movement.

Psychology

  • Wriggling behaviors can be linked to nervousness; people may fidget or squirm when anxious.
  • Some studies suggest that moving around while learning can improve information retention and concentration.
  • Children who wriggle and move about often display higher levels of creativity, as movement can stimulate brain activity.

Origin of 'wriggler'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'wriggle', meaning to twist or writhe.
  • It is often used to describe small creatures or objects that move in a sudden or erratic way.
  • 'Wriggler' can refer to larvae of certain insects that move in a distinctive way before becoming adults.

The word 'wriggler' originated in the late 18th century, derived from the verb 'wriggle,' which dates back to the 16th century. The term is often used to describe small creatures or individuals who exhibit squirming or twisting movements. Over time, 'wriggler' has also been informally applied to restless children or individuals engaged in deceitful activities. The slang usage of 'wriggler' to denote someone involved in shady dealings gained prominence in the early 20th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,396, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.