Wiggle vs. Shake — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Wiggle involves small, side-to-side movements, often gentle and controlled, while shaking is typically more vigorous and involves rapid, back-and-forth motions.
Difference Between Wiggle and Shake
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A wiggle is characterized by small, often rhythmic side-to-side movements, such as a dog wiggling its tail when happy. On the other hand, a shake involves more forceful, erratic movements, like a wet dog shaking off water.
Wiggling is usually more controlled and can be subtle, such as a person wiggling their toes. Whereas shaking tends to be more abrupt and vigorous, often involving the entire body or limb, such as when someone shakes their head in disbelief.
In the animal kingdom, a wiggle might be used for specific signaling, like a cat wiggling its rear before pouncing. Conversely, shaking can serve as a method to release tension or shed water in animals.
People often wiggle parts of their body to express playfulness or discomfort, for example, wiggling in one's seat. On the other hand, shaking can express a range of emotions from cold or fear to excitement.
Mechanical devices can also exhibit these movements; for instance, a washing machine may wiggle slightly off balance during a gentle cycle. In contrast, it might shake vigorously when heavily loaded or out of balance during a spin cycle.
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Comparison Chart
Movement Type
Small, controlled, side-to-side movements
Rapid, more forceful, back-and-forth movements
Common Usage
Playfulness, discomfort, precision movement
Vigor, energy, clearing or emotional expression
Intensity
Usually gentle
Can be vigorous or violent
Control
More controlled and deliberate
Less controlled, can be spontaneous
Examples
Wiggling ears, fingers, toes
Shaking head, hands, body
Compare with Definitions
Wiggle
To adjust or position by small movements.
She wiggled into her tight jeans.
Shake
To disturb or agitate emotionally or physically.
The scary movie really shook him.
Wiggle
Small, quick movements from side to side.
The puppy wiggled its tail excitedly.
Shake
A physical reaction to cold, fear, or excitement.
She couldn't stop the shake in her voice.
Wiggle
To move with short, quick shifts from side to side.
She wiggled her fingers to test the new gloves.
Shake
An act of shaking hands.
They sealed the deal with a firm shake.
Wiggle
An expression of slight adjustment or maneuvering.
Wiggle the key a bit to help unlock the door.
Shake
To move something back and forth or up and down with rapid, forceful, jerky movements.
He shook the bottle to mix the dressing.
Wiggle
A playful or nervous movement.
He gave a nervous wiggle in his chair during the interview.
Shake
To get rid of or dispense by vigorous motion.
The dog shook off the water in its fur.
Wiggle
To move back and forth with quick irregular motions
The gelatin wiggled on the plate.
Shake
(of a structure or area of land) tremble or vibrate
Buildings shook in Sacramento and tremors were felt in Reno
Wiggle
To move or proceed with a twisting or turning motion; wriggle
Wiggled restlessly in her chair.
Wiggled through the crowd.
Shake
Move (an object) up and down or from side to side with rapid, forceful, jerky movements
She stood in the hall and shook her umbrella
Wiggle
To insinuate or extricate oneself by sly or subtle means
Wiggled out of a social engagement.
Shake
Upset the composure or confidence of; shock or astonish
The boy was visibly shaken
Rumours of a further loss shook the market
Wiggle
To cause to move back and forth with quick irregular motions
Wiggle a loose tooth.
Shake
An act of shaking
She gave her red curls a vehement shake
Wiggle
To make (one's way, for example) by or as if by wiggling
The pitcher wiggled his way out of a jam.
Shake
A fit of trembling or shivering
I wouldn't go in there, it gives me the shakes
Wiggle
A wiggling movement or course.
Shake
Short for milkshake
Wiggle
To move with irregular, back and forward or side to side motions; To shake or jiggle.
Her hips wiggle as she walks.
The jelly wiggles on the plate when you move it.
Shake
An earth tremor.
Wiggle
(figurative) An alternating state or characteristic. en
Shake
A trill.
Wiggle
(in the plural) See wiggles.
Shake
A kind of rough wooden shingle, used especially on rustic buildings
Cedar shakes
Wiggle
To move to and fro with a quick, jerking motion; to bend rapidly, or with a wavering motion, from side to side; to wag; to squirm; to wriggle; as, the dog wiggles his tail; the tadpole wiggles in the water.
Shake
To cause to move from side to side or up and down with jerky movements
I shook the juice container.
Wiggle
Act of wiggling; a wriggle.
Shake
To cause to tremble, vibrate, or rock
The earthquake shook the ground. The wind shook the barley.
Wiggle
The act of wiggling
Shake
To brandish or wave, especially in anger
Shake one's fist.
Wiggle
Move to and fro;
Don't jiggle your finger while the nurse is putting on the bandage!
Shake
To cause to lose stability or strength, as of conviction
A crisis that has shaken my deepest beliefs.
Shake
To disturb or agitate emotionally; upset or unnerve
She was shaken by the news of the disaster.
Shake
To remove or dislodge by jerky movements
Shook the dust from the cushions.
Shake
To scatter or strew by jerky movements
Shook the salt on the popcorn.
Shake
To get rid of or put an end to
Could not shake the feeling that things would not work out.
Wanted to shake his habit of snacking.
Shake
To get away from (a pursuer)
Couldn't shake the man who was following us.
Shake
To bring to a specified condition by or as if by shaking
"It is not easy to shake one's heart free of the impression" (John Middleton Murry).
Shake
To clasp (hands) in greeting or leave-taking or as a sign of agreement.
Shake
(Music) To trill (a note).
Shake
(Games) To rattle and mix (dice) before casting.
Shake
To move from side to side or up and down in short, irregular, often jerky movements
The trees shook in the wind.
Shake
To move something vigorously up and down or from side to side, as in mixing.
Shake
To tremble, as from cold or in anger.
Shake
To be unsteady; totter or waver.
Shake
(Music) To trill.
Shake
To shake hands
Let's shake on it.
Shake
The act of shaking
Gave the bottle a shake.
Shake
A trembling or quivering movement.
Shake
(Informal) An earthquake.
Shake
A fissure in rock.
Shake
A crack in timber caused by wind or frost.
Shake
(Informal) A moment or instant
I'll do it in a shake.
Shake
(Music) A trill.
Shake
See milkshake.
Shake
A beverage in which the ingredients are mixed by shaking.
Shake
A rough shingle used to cover rustic buildings, such as barns
Cedar shakes.
Shake
Shakes(Informal) Uncontrollable trembling, as in a person who is cold, frightened, feverish, or ill. Often used with the
Was suffering from a bad case of the shakes.
Shake
(Informal) A bargain or deal
Getting a fair shake.
Shake
To cause (something) to move rapidly in opposite directions alternatingly.
The earthquake shook the building.
He shook the can of soda for thirty seconds before delivering it to me, so that, when I popped it open, soda went everywhere.
Shake
(transitive) To move (one's head) from side to side, especially to indicate refusal, reluctance, or disapproval.
Shaking his head, he kept repeating “No, no, no”.
Shake
(transitive) To move or remove by agitating; to throw off by a jolting or vibrating motion.
To shake fruit down from a tree
Shake
(transitive) To disturb emotionally; to shock.
Her father’s death shook her terribly.
He was shaken by what had happened.
Shake
(transitive) To lose, evade, or get rid of (something).
I can’t shake the feeling that I forgot something.
Shake
(intransitive) To move from side to side.
She shook with grief.
Shake
To shake hands.
OK, let’s shake on it.
Shake
(intransitive) To dance.
She was shaking it on the dance floor.
Shake
To give a tremulous tone to; to trill.
To shake a note in music
Shake
To threaten to overthrow.
The experience shook my religious belief.
Shake
To be agitated; to lose firmness.
Shake
The act of shaking or being shaken; tremulous or back-and-forth motion.
The cat gave the mouse a shake.
She replied in the negative, with a shake of her head.
Shake
A twitch, a spasm, a tremor.
Shake
A milkshake.
Shake
A beverage made by adding ice cream to a (usually carbonated) drink; a float.
Shake
Shake cannabis, small, leafy fragments of cannabis that gather at the bottom of a bag of marijuana.
Shake
(building material) A thin shingle.
Shake
A crack or split between the growth rings in wood.
Shake
A fissure in rock or earth.
Shake
A basic wooden shingle made from split logs, traditionally used for roofing etc.
Shake
(informal) Instant, second. (Especially in two shakes.)
Shake
(nautical) One of the staves of a hogshead or barrel taken apart.
Shake
(music) A rapid alternation of a principal tone with another represented on the next degree of the staff above or below it; a trill.
Shake
(music) In singing, notes (usually high ones) sung vibrato.
Shake
A shook of staves and headings.
Shake
The redshank, so called from the nodding of its head while on the ground.
Shake
A shock or disturbance.
Shake
To cause to move with quick or violent vibrations; to move rapidly one way and the other; to make to tremble or shiver; to agitate.
As a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Ascend my chariot; guide the rapid wheelsThat shake heaven's basis.
Shake
Fig.: To move from firmness; to weaken the stability of; to cause to waver; to impair the resolution of.
When his doctrines grew too strong to be shook by his enemies, they persecuted his reputation.
Thy equal fear that my firm faith and loveCan by his fraud be shaken or seduced.
Shake
To give a tremulous tone to; to trill; as, to shake a note in music.
Shake
To move or remove by agitating; to throw off by a jolting or vibrating motion; to rid one's self of; - generally with an adverb, as off, out, etc.; as, to shake fruit down from a tree.
Shake off the golden slumber of repose.
'Tis our fast intentTo shake all cares and business from our age.
I could scarcely shake him out of my company.
Shake
To be agitated with a waving or vibratory motion; to tremble; to shiver; to quake; to totter.
Under his burning wheelsThe steadfast empyrean shook throughout,All but the throne itself of God.
What danger? Who 's that that shakes behind there?
Shake
The act or result of shaking; a vacillating or wavering motion; a rapid motion one way and other; a trembling, quaking, or shivering; agitation.
The great soldier's honor was composedOf thicker stuff, which could endure a shake.
Our salutations were very hearty on both sides, consisting of many kind shakes of the hand.
Shake
A fissure or crack in timber, caused by its being dried too suddenly.
Shake
A fissure in rock or earth.
Shake
A rapid alternation of a principal tone with another represented on the next degree of the staff above or below it; a trill.
Shake
One of the staves of a hogshead or barrel taken apart.
Shake
A shook of staves and headings.
Shake
The redshank; - so called from the nodding of its head while on the ground.
Shake
Building material used as siding or roofing
Shake
Frothy drink of milk and flavoring and sometimes fruit or ice cream
Shake
A note that alternates rapidly with another note a semitone above it
Shake
Grasping and shaking a person's hand (as to acknowledge an introduction or to agree on a contract)
Shake
Reflex shaking caused by cold or fear or excitement
Shake
Causing to move repeatedly from side to side
Shake
Move or cause to move back and forth;
The chemist shook the flask vigorously
My hands were shaking
Shake
Move with or as if with a tremor;
His hands shook
Shake
Shake or vibrate rapidly and intensively;
The old engine was juddering
Shake
Move back and forth or sideways;
The ship was rocking
The tall building swayed
She rocked back and forth on her feet
Shake
Undermine or cause to waver;
My faith has been shaken
The bad news shook her hopes
Shake
Stir the feelings, emotions, or peace of;
These stories shook the community
The civil war shook the country
Shake
Get rid of;
I couldn't shake the car that was following me
Shake
Bring to a specified condition by or as if by shaking;
He was shaken from his dreams
Shake the salt out of the salt shaker
Shake
Shake (a body part) to communicate a greeting, feeling, or cognitive state;
Shake one's head
She shook her finger at the naughty students
The old enemies shook hands
Don't shake your fist at me!
Common Curiosities
How do animals use wiggling as a communication tool?
Animals, like cats, wiggle their tails or bodies to signal intentions such as preparing to attack or play.
Why do people shake their legs?
People may shake their legs as a way to release tension, express restlessness, or as an involuntary response to stress.
Can wiggling be a reflex?
Yes, wiggling can be a reflex, especially in response to an itch or irritation.
Can wiggling be used in exercise?
Yes, certain exercises involve wiggling to improve flexibility or target specific muscle groups, such as in dance or pilates.
What is the purpose of wiggling?
Wiggling often serves to adjust position comfortably or to express subtle intentions or emotions.
Is there a difference between shaking and trembling?
Yes, shaking is often more forceful and deliberate, while trembling is usually lighter and a response to cold, fear, or excitement.
What does it mean when someone shakes their head?
Shaking the head usually indicates disagreement or disbelief.
What are common situations where wiggling is beneficial?
Wiggling is beneficial in tight spaces or when trying to make slight adjustments without getting up or moving significantly.
How do cultural perceptions of shaking differ around the world?
Cultural perceptions vary; in some cultures, shaking is seen as a normal response to excitement or cold, while in others, it might be viewed as a sign of weakness or lack of composure.
What medical conditions can cause shaking?
Conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or hypoglycemia can cause shaking.
Is wiggling seen as unprofessional in formal settings?
Wiggling can be seen as unprofessional or distracting in formal settings, depending on the context and the extent of the movement.
How do children use wiggling?
Children often wiggle when excited, playful, or when trying to express themselves physically.
How do vibration and shaking relate in mechanical terms?
In mechanical terms, shaking can be a result of excessive vibration, indicating potential malfunction or the need for adjustment.
Why might someone wiggle their eyebrows?
Wiggling eyebrows can be a playful gesture, a way of communicating emotions non-verbally, or a method of drawing attention in communication.
What does shaking hands signify in different cultures?
In many cultures, shaking hands is a gesture of greeting, agreement, or parting, symbolizing goodwill and respect.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
