v. colloq. Reduplicated form combining WIGGLE v. and WAGGLE v. (cf. LG. wigel-wageln vb.), emphasizing the alternation of movement: used intr. or trans. So Wiggle-waggle sb., the act of ‘wiggle-waggling’; also, a children’s game in which the players waggle their thumbs at a word of command; Wiggle-waggle a., that ‘wiggle-waggles’; fig. vacillating.
1825. Brockett, N. C. Gloss., *Wiggle-waggle, a tremulous undulating motion.
1895. Outing (U.S.), XXVI. 42/2. Brisk holding up of fingers and turning down of thumbs, like the children’s game of ‘wiggle-waggle.’
1778. Johnson, in Mme. D’Arblay’s Diary, Sept. Poll is a stupid slut;… she was *wiggle-waggle, and I could never persuade her to be categorical.
1828. Craven Gloss., Wiggle-waggle, quivering, vibrating.
1887. Good Words, 673. Wiggle-waggle dress-improvers.
18[?]. Scotch Haggis, 95 (E.D D.). *Wiggle-waggling his walking-stick ower his left elbow.
1847. Halliwell, Wiggle-waggle, to wriggle. East.
1848. Punch, XV. 14. The parachute … would … have wiggle-waggled itself into annihilation.
1897. Outing (U.S.), XXX. 224/1. It [sc. a fish] is gently removed from the hook, and suffered to go wiggle-waggling back to its green retreats.
