Fidget vs. Squirm: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 7, 2023
Fidget refers to small restless movements, often due to nervousness, while squirm involves twisting or moving about due to discomfort or unease.
Difference Between Fidget and Squirm
Fidget and squirm both pertain to bodily movements, but each word emphasizes different types and reasons for such movement. Fidgeting often describes the restless actions people make, typically with their hands or feet, when they're anxious, bored, or impatient. For instance, tapping a pen on a table or shaking one's leg while sitting might be considered fidgeting. On the other hand, squirming is more about trying to adjust one's position due to discomfort, embarrassment, or a similar uneasy feeling. It involves more pronounced and often larger movements.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
When observing someone in a classroom or a meeting, you might notice them fidgeting with their jewelry, hair, or perhaps the hem of their clothing. This could indicate nervousness, impatience, or just a habit. Conversely, squirming would be seen as someone constantly shifting in their seat, perhaps due to an uncomfortable chair or an awkward situation they wish to escape from.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
In another context, consider a child being told off for some mischief. They might fidget with their fingers, indicating nervousness. But if the same child is sitting on a hot surface, they might squirm, trying to find a position that alleviates the discomfort.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
To encapsulate, while both fidget and squirm denote movement, the nature and cause of the movements differentiate them. Fidgeting is more about restless, smaller actions often linked to anxiety or boredom, whereas squirming revolves around pronounced movements due to physical or emotional discomfort.
Levi
Sep 07, 2023
Fidget vs. Squirm Comparison Chart
Type of Movement
Often subtle, with hands or feet
More pronounced, involving larger body parts
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Fidget vs. Squirm Definitions
◉Fidget
To be impatient or uneasy.
You can tell she's eager to leave; she's been fidgeting for the past hour.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Squirm
To move or slide with twisting or wriggling movements.
The worm squirmed in his hand.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
◉Fidget
To act in an agitated or jittery manner.
Kids tend to fidget when asked to sit still for too long.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
◉Squirm
To contort one's body in response to discomfort.
The tight shoes made him squirm all day.
Elijah
Sep 07, 2023
◉Fidget
To make small, restless movements, especially with the hands or feet.
She began to fidget with her bracelet during the tense conversation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
◉Squirm
To wriggle or fidget due to unease or nervousness.
She squirmed in her seat during the awkward conversation.
Henry
Sep 07, 2023
◉Squirm
To twist the body about, especially from discomfort or unease.
The baby began to squirm as she tried to change his diaper.
Leo
Sep 07, 2023
◉Squirm
To feel or display discomfort or embarrassment.
He squirmed under the teacher's stern gaze.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
◉Fidget
fidgets A condition of restlessness as manifested by nervous movements. Often used with the
a bored child who had the fidgets.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fidget
(intransitive) To wiggle or twitch; to move the body, especially the fingers, around nervously or idly.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Squirm
To twist one's body with snakelike motions.
The prisoner managed to squirm out of the straitjacket.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Squirm
To twist in discomfort, especially from shame or embarrassment.
I recounted the embarrassing story in detail just to watch him squirm.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fidget
To move uneasily one way and the other; to move irregularly, or by fits and starts.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Squirm
To twist about briskly with contortions like an eel or a worm; to wriggle; to writhe.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fidget
A general nervous restlessness, manifested by incessant changes of position; dysphoria.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Squirm
to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling);
The prisoner writhed in discomfort
The child tried to wriggle free from his aunt's embrace
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fidget
a feeling of agitation expressed in continual motion;
he's got the fidgets
waiting gave him a feeling of restlessness
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fidget
To toy or play with something, especially out of boredom.
Tom fidgeted with the buttons on his shirt.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Fidget vs. Squirm Frequently Asked Questions
Does squirming usually involve larger movements than fidgeting?
Yes, squirming often involves more pronounced, possibly whole-body, movements.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
Can squirming indicate a higher degree of discomfort than fidgeting?
Yes, squirming often denotes pronounced discomfort or embarrassment with noticeable body movements.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
What is the primary implication of fidgeting?
Small, often habitual movements usually due to impatience or anxiety.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Can someone transition from fidgeting to squirming?
Yes, a person might escalate from fidgeting to squirming as a situation becomes more uncomfortable.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
What situations commonly induce squirming?
Situations that are embarrassing, uncomfortable, or cause distress often induce squirming.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
Is squirming often a conscious response?
Squirming is generally a conscious response to discomfort or embarrassment.
Leo
Sep 07, 2023
Is it possible to fidget unconsciously?
Yes, individuals can fidget unconsciously as a way to manage nervous energy.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
What types of situations might cause someone to fidget?
Situations involving impatience, anxiety, or boredom often cause individuals to fidget.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
What bodily parts are generally involved in fidgeting?
Fidgeting often involves small movements of the hands or feet.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Does fidgeting always indicate a problem?
No, fidgeting can be a habitual action not necessarily indicating a problem. It can be a way to manage excess energy.
Jonathan
Sep 07, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
