Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [wig-wag]
- /ˈwɪgˌwæg/
- /ˈwɪ.ɡwæɡ/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
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- [wig-wag]
- /ˈwɪgˌwæg/
Definitions of wigwag word
- noun wigwag Nautical. the act or process of sending messages by the movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code. 1
- noun wigwag a message so signaled. 1
- noun wigwag Move to and fro. 1
- verb wigwag to move (something) back and forth 0
- verb wigwag to communicate with (someone) by means of a flag semaphore 0
- noun wigwag a system of communication by flag semaphore 0
Information block about the term
Origin of wigwag
First appearance:
before 1575 One of the 34% oldest English words
1575-85; wig to wag (now dial.) + wag; gradational compound, parallel to zigzag, etc.
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Wigwag
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
wigwag popularity
A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 53% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
According to our data about 57% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.
wigwag usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for wigwag
verb wigwag
- brandish — If you brandish something, especially a weapon, you hold it in a threatening way.
- flap — to swing or sway back and forth loosely, especially with noise: A loose shutter flapped outside the window.
- flutter — to wave, flap, or toss about: Banners fluttered in the breeze.
- fly — to move through the air using wings.
- shake — to move or sway with short, quick, irregular vibratory movements.
Antonyms for wigwag
verb wigwag
- untwist — to untangle
- calm — A calm person does not show or feel any worry, anger, or excitement.
- leave alone — separate, apart, or isolated from others: I want to be alone.
- mislead — to lead or guide wrongly; lead astray.
- persist — to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc.: to persist in working for world peace; to persist in unpopular political activities.