Meaning & Definition of word "Wag"

Wag

/wæɡ/

1. a movement or gesture of the body, especially a quick back-and-forth motion.
- Example: He gave a wag of his head to show his agreement.
2. a person who is jokey or witty, often in a sarcastic way.
- Example: That wag at the party always knows how to make everyone laugh.

1. to move (a part of the body) quickly back and forth or up and down.
- Example: The dog wagged its tail excitedly when it saw its owner.
2. to express ridicule or disapproval by shaking or moving one's head.
- Example: She wagged her finger at him to indicate he was doing something wrong.

Middle English 'waggen', possibly from Old English 'wagian', meaning 'to shake or sway'.

wag the dog:

to divert attention from an important issue by focusing on a trivial one.

wag one's finger:

to scold or admonish someone.

in a wag:

in a playful or joking manner.

waggish:

playfully humorous or jesting.

waggery:

a playful or mischievous act.

Meaning: a person who habitually jokes or plays pranks.

Example Sentence: He's such a wag, always pulling tricks on his friends.