Wriggling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wriggling

[หˆrษชษกlษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement, squirming

Wriggling refers to the act of twisting or contorting one's body in a sinuous or serpentine manner, typically as a means of locomotion. This motion is often associated with small animals, such as worms or snakes, but can also describe the actions of a person trying to escape or adjust their position.

Synonyms

contorting, squirming, twisting, wiggling.

Examples of usage

  • The worm was wriggling in the dirt.
  • She was wriggling her toes in the sand.
  • The puppy was wriggling with excitement.
  • He tried wriggling out of the tight space.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Many creatures, like snakes and worms, use wriggling as a way to move and escape predators.
  • Wriggling helps some animals navigate through tight spaces or burrow into the ground for safety.
  • Certain larvae wriggle to attract attention from potential mates or to ward off threats.

Psychology

  • The act of wriggling can sometimes reflect a person's discomfort or nervousness in social situations.
  • Children often wriggle when they are excited or bored, indicating their physical need for movement.
  • Research shows that fidgeting, which includes wriggling, can actually help some people focus better while studying.

Pop Culture

  • In animated shows, characters often wriggle dramatically to showcase excitement or silliness.
  • Wriggling has been featured in dance styles and routines, adding a playful element to performances.
  • Social media challenges occasionally involve wriggling as a fun way to engage viewers in playful activity.

Children's Literature

  • Numerous children's books feature wriggly characters, like worms or squirmy creatures, to engage young readers.
  • Stories sometimes use wriggling to symbolize change or growth, reflecting charactersโ€™ journeys.
  • Wriggling is often depicted in playful illustrations, further appealing to children's imaginations.

Origin of 'wriggling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'wryggian,' meaning to twist or bend, which reflects its meaning.
  • Wriggling has been used in literature since the 14th century, often to describe movement of animals or children.
  • Related words include 'wriggle' and 'wriggle room,' which both convey a sense of movement or flexibility.

The word 'wriggling' originates from the Old English word 'wriglan,' which means to twist or turn. This term is related to the Middle Dutch word 'wriggel' as well as the Old Norse 'vriggja,' both of which imply a similar motion of twisting or bending. The evolution of the word has followed the idea of conveying a sense of movement that is not straightforward but rather involves bending or twisting. The usage of โ€˜wriggleโ€™ in English can be traced back to the late 14th century, making it a term that has persisted through centuries of linguistic evolution. It carries connotations of both physical movement and psychological states, such as discomfort or nervousness, which can prompt a person to 'wriggle' in their seat.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,421, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.