wriggle

Think of a worm trying to get away from a bird: that twisting, turning motion is what it means to wriggle. People also wriggle when they are uncomfortable or trying to get out of a tight spot. A child might wriggle with excitement before opening presents or wriggle in a too-small seat. It is not a graceful movement; it suggests effort and often a bit of awkwardness. You can even wriggle your toes.

To wriggle is to move with a twisting, squirming motion, often because a situation is restrictive or uncomfortable. Imagine a fish trying to escape a net or an earthworm burrowing into the soil; those are classic examples of wriggling. It is rarely a smooth, deliberate movement, but rather a series of small, jerky twists and turns.

You might see a child wriggle with impatience while waiting for dessert, or someone wriggle in their chair during a long, tedious meeting. The word can also describe the act of avoiding an obligation or a difficult situation. For example, saying "He tried to wriggle out of doing the dishes" means he attempted to find a way to avoid the task.

Interestingly, wriggle is not limited to whole bodies. You can wriggle your fingers and toes, or even wriggle a loose tooth. It suggests small, repeated movements that are often driven by discomfort, restlessness, or the need to get free. Whether it is escaping a tight spot, showing impatience, avoiding responsibility, or simply moving your digits, to wriggle is to twist and turn with effort in a lively, awkward way.