Fidged

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Moved about restlessly or twitched nervously, unable to keep still in one place
2. Shifted and squirmed in an uneasy, impatient way, often while waiting or sitting
3. Made small, restless movements of the body that showed agitation or boredom

Etymology: "Fidged" is the past tense of "fidge," a verb meaning to move restlessly, fidget, or squirm. The verb is thought to be an assibilated form of the Middle English "fiken," which meant to jitter, hustle, or flinch, so the "dge" ending reflects a softened "k" sound, a common pattern in English where a hard consonant shifts to a hissing or hushing one. The earlier word's own origins are uncertain. One suggestion links "fiken" to Old English "befician," meaning to deceive, though this connection is doubtful. Another proposal ties it to Old Norse "fika," meaning to climb nimbly, as a spider does, and to Scandinavian words meaning to strive after or hurry. The image of a spider scrambling up a wall fits the restless, quick movement that the word has always carried.

Synonyms: fidget, twitch, squirm, wriggle, jiggle

Antonyms: settle, keep still