What does wiggy mean?
Wiggy is an informal adjective meaning eccentric, crazy, or unconventional, especially in behavior or thinking. It is often lighthearted and playful: calling a joke wiggy suggests that it is absurd or eccentric rather than necessarily hostile, although the word can be insulting when used to dismiss someone's reasoning as irrational. The adjective is chiefly associated with modern British English but is also understood in American English. Wiggy is related in spelling to wig, and its old associations with eccentric or agitated conduct explain its modern sense of unconventionality. It should not be confused with wiggly, which describes something that wriggles or moves in small, quick movements. A more neutral alternative is eccentric; for the idea of irrationality, unconventional or irrational may be preferable in formal contexts.
adjectiveInformally, eccentric, crazy, or behaving in an unconventional or irrational way.
- Informally eccentric, crazy, or behaving in an unconventional or irrational way.
"They thought his wiggy behavior was just part of his playful personality."
"My uncle gets a bit wiggy whenever he hears unfamiliar music."
"That explanation seems rather wiggy to me."
Sometimes a conventional little word carries a wildly unconventional meaning: wiggy turns a person or idea that refuses to behave normally into a characterful label.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wiggy
Wiggy is formed from wig plus the suffix -y. Its older sense developed from ideas of craziness, agitation, or eccentric behavior associated with wig and related expressions. The modern informal sense, meaning crazy or eccentric, became established in the 20th century, chiefly in British English.
Related word forms
How wiggy is actually used
Informal and chiefly British in modern use. It can sound playful and teasing, but it may be considered insulting when directed at someone viewed as irrational or eccentric. In older usage, it can also mean frenzied or agitated.
Easily confused with wiggy
Wiggy means eccentric or informally crazy, while wiggly means squirming or moving with small, quick movements.