What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
waggly
Example
The puppy's tail was waggly as it played with its toy. [waggly: adjective]
Example
The table was waggly because one of the legs was loose. [waggly: adjective]
Example
He walked with a waggly gait, making him look like he was dancing. [waggly: adjective]
shaky
Example
The old bridge was shaky and made me nervous to cross it. [shaky: adjective]
Example
She felt shaky after the intense workout at the gym. [shaky: adjective]
Example
The company's financial situation was shaky, and investors were worried. [shaky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shaky is more commonly used than waggly in everyday language. Shaky is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while waggly is less common and refers to a playful or teasing movement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between waggly and shaky?
While shaky can be used in both formal and informal contexts, waggly is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, making it less appropriate for formal situations.