Wigwags

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of signaling or warning system characterized by alternating lights or flags, often used in traffic control or railway operations
2. Referring to movement that alternates back and forth, resembling a wagging motion, typically in a playful or lively manner
3. To indicate or direct attention by means of gestures or signals that vary in position or activity

Etymology: Railway crossings and ambulances both use a signal that swings back and forth, and the name for that signal is a reduplicated pair of verbs. "Wig" meant "to wag" or "waggle," and "wag" meant "to swing" or move from side to side. Stacking the two gave an emphatic, almost comic double motion, which suits a lamp that rocks back and forth to warn drivers. The noun was formed from the verb, so the sense of a swinging signal came first and the word for the lamps followed. Here "wigwags" is the plural of "wigwag," meaning more than one such signal, as at a level crossing with several lamps or a vehicle fitted with more than one.

Synonyms: flashing signals, indicators, signals, markers, guides