Wriggly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🐍
wriggly
[ˈrɪɡli ]
Definition
describing movement
Wriggly describes something that twists and turns in a lively or restless manner. This word is often used to describe a physical movement that is not straight or smooth but involves small, rapid motions. The term is commonly associated with creatures like snakes or worms, which move in a writhing way. In a broader sense, it can also refer to any object or person that is fidgety or unable to stay still.
Synonyms
squirming, squirmy, twisting, wiggly, writhing.
Examples of usage
- The wriggly worm escaped from my hand.
- Children can be quite wriggly during long car rides.
- The puppy was too wriggly to get dressed.
- I watched the wriggly dance of the snake as it slithered.
- She found it difficult to sit still because of her wriggly nature.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'wriggly'
The word 'wriggly' is derived from the verb 'wriggle,' which has its roots in Middle English. The term can be traced back to the Old English word 'wrigglen,' meaning to twist or turn. The linguistic evolution continued through various forms in the Middle Ages, where it evolved to describe a slight, twisting motion. 'Wriggly' emerged in the late 19th century as an adjective, emphasizing movement that is not only twisting but also somewhat playful or restless. While its connections to creatures like worms and snakes are evident, 'wriggly' can also describe the behavior of children or animals when they are excited or anxious. Over time, it has taken on a more endearing connotation, often used in casual conversation to describe lively movements.