1. Onomatopoeia: The word itself sounds like the act of scribbling or making a wiggly line. This is a common way words are formed, especially for sounds and actions.
2. Imitation of a visual shape: "Squiggle" describes a shape that is irregular, wavy, and curvy, resembling a squiggly line. This likely came from observing the act of drawing or writing.
Early Usage:
* The earliest recorded use of the word "squiggle" in the English language dates back to the late 1800s.
* Initially, it was often used to describe the act of drawing a wobbly or wavy line.
Evolution of Meaning:
Over time, the meaning of "squiggle" expanded to include:
* A shape characterized by a wavy or irregular line.
* A scribble or a doodle.
* A movement that is wavy or erratic.
Conclusion:
While the exact origin of "squiggle" is unknown, its onomatopoeic nature and its connection to visual and movement descriptions likely contributed to its development. It's a word that aptly captures the essence of something wavy, irregular, and unpredictable.