Meaning & Definition of word "Wag"
Wag
/wæɡ/
noun:
- 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.
verb:
- 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.
Etymology
●Middle English 'waggen', possibly from Old English 'wagian', meaning 'to shake or sway'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
waggish:
playfully humorous or jesting.
waggery:
a playful or mischievous act.
Slang Meanings of wag
Meaning: a person who habitually jokes or plays pranks.
● Example Sentence: He's such a wag, always pulling tricks on his friends.