Wriggle

/ˈrɪɡəl/ verb

Definition

To twist and turn with short, quick motions, usually in a way that seems uncomfortable or restless.

Etymology

From Middle English wrigglen, possibly from Old English wryggan; related to 'wring' and ultimately imitative in origin, mimicking the movements being described.

Kelly Says

Wriggling is so instinctively tied to discomfort that neuroscientists think it might be an ancient nervous system response—even earthworms wriggle away from threats, suggesting the behavior goes back hundreds of millions of years.

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