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zigzag

A line or path that proceeds by sharp turns in alternating directions.

ˈzɪɡ.zæɡDocumented since 1710sSilenthistoricalCurrent137 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🗺️ Regional & Other
3 definitions
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Seen in the wild
5 citations · last seen May 2026

Etymology timeline

Born ~1712 · 1 year of recorded use
1712Born2026: 5 citationsToday, 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

#1·Apr 27, 2026

A line or path that proceeds by sharp turns in alternating directions.

Origin: Attested from 1712. Borrowed from (attested from 1662), possibly from a source via (although is attested only from 1703). Also, possibly from the shape of the letter Z, which appears twice in the word. Sense “drunk” from the zigzag movements of a drunk person. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

Zigzag means: A line or path that proceeds by sharp turns in alternating directions.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

zigzag means: A line or path that proceeds by sharp turns in alternating directions.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

Heard in the wild
  • “braids are very fun to draw!!! i know the zigzag trick!! once you know that trick they come easier :3”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “PETZL Zigzag Descender for Arborists D022AA00 #ropes #pulleys #arborist”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

One of these sharp turns.

Cluster: general
Heard in the wild
  • “Love Zigzag Iris' design a ton”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “good to know Zigzag Iris has a good chance of getting in >:3c jokes aside, tysm!! shes gotta be one of my personal favorite plant visual designs I've done too”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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#3·Apr 27, 2026

Moving in, or having a zigzag.

Heard in the wild
  • “Ghost Machine: The Official Guidebook #2 preview. This second volume covers the second half of The Unnamed from Johnny Appleseed to Zigzag the three-eyed zebra! #comics #comicbooks”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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For specific readers

Zigzag means: A line or path that proceeds by sharp turns in alternating directions.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.

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