wiggle
UK: ˈwɪɡl | US: ˈwɪɡl
vi. to move with short, quick movements from side to side or up and down
vt. to cause something to move in such a way
n. a wiggling movement
"Wiggle" likely originated as an onomatopoeic or imitative word in Middle English, mimicking the sound or motion of small, rapid movements. The Germanic root wig- conveys the idea of motion, while the suffix -le adds a sense of repetition or lightness. Over time, it evolved to describe playful or fidgety motions, retaining its lively, sound-symbolic quality.
The puppy began to wiggle excitedly when it saw its owner.
She managed to wiggle free from the tight ropes.
The toddler loves to wiggle his toes in the sand.
A slight wiggle of the fishing line signaled a bite.
He gave the loose tooth a gentle wiggle.