wigwag
UK: ˈwɪɡwæɡ | US: ˈwɪɡwæɡ
v. to move back and forth; to signal by waving or swinging something (e.g., a flag or light)
n. a system of signaling using alternating movements or flashes
The word wigwag is a reduplicative compound, combining two near-synonymous roots (wig and wag) to emphasize repetitive back-and-forth motion. Originally used to describe physical movement, it later specialized in signaling (e.g., flag or light signals in military or maritime contexts). The playful doubling of roots mirrors the action it describes.
The soldier used a flag to wigwag a message across the field.
The lantern's light wigwagged in the darkness, guiding the ship to shore.
The child made the toy car wigwag by pulling it with a string.
Early railroads employed wigwag signals at crossings.
Her hands wigwagged excitedly as she told the story.