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Gene93 Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

Jiggle and Wiggle

Greetings,
What is the difference between them in these sentences: "Her hips wiggle/jiggle as she walks.", "If the door won't open, try jiggling/wiggling the key in the lock."? I had a look at the two definitions, but unfortunately I can't see a difference.

I know it's a silly question, but still a question Emotion: smile. Thank you.
  

Top answer

Gene93 I know it's a silly question Why do you think it's silly? 'Wiggle' is generally back and forth, while 'jiggle' is vaguely up and down; but most of the time it doesn't make any difference.

— Mister Micawber

  • Gene93 I know it's a silly question Why do you think it's silly?
  • 'Wiggle' is generally back and forth, while 'jiggle' is vaguely up and down; but most of the time it doesn't make any difference.
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5 Answers
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Gene93I know it's a silly question
Why do you think it's silly? 'Wiggle' is generally back and forth, while 'jiggle' is vaguely up and down; but most of the time it doesn't make any difference.
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The dictionary says "from side to side" about wiggle and "from side to side or up and down" for jiggle.
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Gene93 I am pretty sure most people are familiar with the difference.
I don't think many native speakers would give it much thought, Gene. I had to think about it myself, and I consider my definition much less than definitive.
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Your definition is really good, sir. When people dance, they usually wiggle their bodies. Even if they don't, that's what many of us call it. Wiggle, wiggle...We can't jiggle to music, can we? Even if we can, I don't think anyone would use it. Wiggle has become so, so popular and "jiggle" is not capable of knocking it off its perch
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Gene93We can't jiggle to music, can we?
No. Jiggle is very small, random, quick movements. It is not rhythmic as in dancing.
The image will jiggle in the viewfinder if you don't hold the camera perfectly steady and the picture will be blurry.
He jiggled his keys in his pocket as he walked down the street.
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