WHIRLIGIG Meaning and
Definition
-
A "whirligig" is a noun that refers to a mechanical device that spins or rotates rapidly, often in the form of a toy or decorative object. It is composed of various parts, such as wings, blades, or paddles, that are designed to catch the wind or be manually set into motion, causing the entire apparatus to whirl or spin. The word "whirligig" typically evokes images of objects that are whimsical, entertaining, and visually captivating.
Whirligigs are commonly found in gardens, rooftops, or open spaces, where they rely on natural or man-made wind currents to initiate their mesmerizing spinning motion. They are often constructed from materials like wood, metal, or plastic, and can come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, depending on their intended purpose.
Despite being associated primarily with decorative purposes, whirligigs can also serve functional roles. For instance, wind-driven whirligigs are sometimes employed in weather vanes, acting as an indicator of wind direction. Additionally, whirligigs can be used as bird deterrents or scarecrows in agricultural settings, their oscillating or rotating movements helping to keep unwanted creatures away from crops.
The term "whirligig" can also have metaphorical connotations, referring to any situation or activity characterized by a rapid and chaotic pace or a dizzying sense of motion. It can be used to describe a swiftly changing or unpredictable series of events.
-
A toy which children spin or whirl round.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WHIRLIGIG *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WHIRLIGIG
Etymology of WHIRLIGIG
The word "whirligig" has a fascinating etymology. It originated from Middle English, where it was initially spelled as "whirlegigg" or "whirlygigg". The term is a combination of two elements: "whirly" and "gigg".
The first element, "whirly", comes from the verb "whirl", which means to spin or rotate rapidly. It is derived from the Old Norse word "hvirfla". "Gigg" is believed to be an alteration of the word "gig", which originally referred to a spinning or whirling object.
Over time, the spelling of the word evolved, and the additional "i" was dropped, resulting in "whirligig". It eventually became the commonly used term to describe toys or devices that spin or spiral, often driven by wind or water.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
