A prank or form of bullying where someone's underwear is forcibly pulled up from behind, creating discomfort.
American slang from the 1970s, derived from 'wedge' (Old English wecg) referring to the wedge-like shape created when underwear is pulled up. The term emerged in school playground culture and spread through popular media.
The word 'wedgie' demonstrates how playground culture creates its own vivid vocabulary for shared experiences. What's fascinating is that this distinctly modern term has become so universal that it needs no explanation across English-speaking countries, showing the globalizing power of youth culture.
Wedgie is bullying slang involving forced underwear displacement, historically depicted/normalized as humor directed at children and used to humiliate. Gendered bullying tactic (especially against girls).
Avoid normalizing as 'prank' or humor. If discussing bullying, use neutral descriptive language and center harm/violation.
["bullying","assault","harassment"]
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.