The word wigwag is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈwɪɡ.wæɡ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "wig" with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "wag" with a short "a" sound. The word refers to a type of signaling system that uses two flags or lights waved in a specific pattern to communicate a message. The correct spelling of wigwag helps ensure clear communication and a standardization of the signaling system.
Wigwag can be defined as a verb or a noun, depending on the context. As a verb, wigwag refers to the motion of rapidly and repeatedly moving or waving an object from side to side, often to capture attention or communicate a signal. This term is commonly associated with the technique of signaling or flagging messages using a specialized set of motions or flags. Wigwagging is frequently employed by traffic controllers or railway personnel to direct vehicles or trains by making specific movements with flags or portable signaling devices, typically indicating whether to proceed, stop, or take precautionary measures.
As a noun, a wigwag is a mechanical or electrical signaling device that is designed to produce distinct motion patterns or signals. One of the most recognizable forms of a wigwag is the crossing signal at railway intersections. This pendulum-like device, mounted on a tall pole, swings back and forth, communicating a warning to drivers and pedestrians of an approaching train. Wigwags in this sense are primarily used in scenarios where visibility may be limited or when a traditional traffic signal system may not be suitable.
The term "wigwag" is thought to have originated from the combination of the words "wiggle" and "wag," highlighting the back-and-forth movement characteristic of the action or device.
The word "wigwag" is derived from the Algonquian language family, specifically the Ojibwe language. The Ojibwe word "wiikwemikoong" (or variations of it) is the root from which "wigwag" originated. In Ojibwe, "wiikwemikoong" refers to a type of shelter traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of North America, commonly known as a wigwam. Over time, the term "wigwag" came to be associated with a specific method of visual signaling using flags or lights, which resembles the back-and-forth movement of a swinging wigwam door. The word "wigwag" eventually entered English vocabulary to describe the signaling technique, usually in the context of communication between trains or ships.