What does wiggly mean?
Wiggly is an informal English adjective describing a line, shape, or movement that twists, squirms, or varies unpredictably. It is especially common in speech and informal writing, where it can suggest a playful, slightly comic quality: a wiggly road might seem charmingly irregular, while a wiggly argument can indicate an uncertain or evasive line of reasoning. The word can also describe something that seems physically unstable or insecure, as in feeling wiggly before a performance. Its tone ranges from affectionate to dismissive, depending on context and who is speaking. Although common in both British and American English, it is less suitable for precise technical descriptions, where a term such as wavy, undulating, or oscillatory may be preferable. Wiggly can also function informally as an adverb meaning in a twisting or unsteady manner.
Having a twisting, squirming, or irregularly curved form or movement; sometimes figuratively, seeming uncertain or insecure.
"The child drew a wiggly line across the page."
Chiefly informal; often playful, childlike, or mildly dismissive.
In a twisting, squirming, or unsteady manner.
"The little flame flickered wiggly in the draft."
Less common than the adjective and chiefly informal.
Wiggly captures the playful idea of a line or movement that refuses to travel straight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How wiggly is actually used
Wiggly is informal and often playful or mildly dismissive. In technical or formal writing, terms such as wavy, undulating, oscillatory, or unstable may be more suitable.
Easily confused with wiggly
Wiggly is chiefly an adjective describing a twisting shape or movement, whereas wiggle is usually a verb for making such a movement or a noun for the movement itself.