Definition of the word wobble

The word "wobble" has a fascinating history. The verb "wobble" originates from the Old English word "wobbelian," which means "to tremble" or "to totter." This is likely derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*wib-," which meant "to bend" or "to curve." In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), the word "wobble" emerged as a verb, meaning "to move unsteadily or waveringly." It was often used to describe the motion of a person's gait or the oscillations of a pendulum. Over time, the word "wobble" broadened its meaning to encompass various forms of oscillation, including the movement of objects on a pivot or the instability of a structure. Today, "wobble" encompasses a wide range of meanings, from the literal (e.g., a wobbly chair) to the figurative (e.g., a wobbly economy).