wedgie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “wedgie” mean?
A prank where someone's underwear is pulled sharply upwards from behind, causing it to become uncomfortably lodged between the buttocks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prank where someone's underwear is pulled sharply upwards from behind, causing it to become uncomfortably lodged between the buttocks.
A situation involving discomfort, awkwardness, or tight wedging, often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term and concept are equally understood in both varieties, though the prank may be more frequently referenced in American popular culture.
Connotations
Strongly associated with childish bullying, schoolyard humour, or frat-boy antics. Conveys a sense of humiliation and physical discomfort.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in AmE, but common and immediately understood in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “wedgie” in a Sentence
[Verb] + someone + a wedgie[Verb] + a wedgiehave/get + a wedgieVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “wedgie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The older boys threatened to wedgie him if he told the teacher.
- He got wedgied right in the middle of the playground.
American English
- Don't you dare wedgie your little brother!
- I heard they wedgied the new kid at the frat party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in informal internal communications or as a humorous metaphor for a tight market squeeze.
Academic
Virtually never used, except in sociological studies of bullying or youth culture.
Everyday
Common in informal speech, especially among younger people or when recounting humorous, embarrassing stories.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “wedgie”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “wedgie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wedgie”
- Using it in formal contexts. Confusing it with 'wedge' (a shape or tool). Spelling: 'wedgey' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, though it can happen accidentally with ill-fitting clothing, the term strongly implies intentional action.
An extreme version where the underwear is pulled over the victim's head, often resulting in the garment tearing.
Yes, informally. E.g., 'He wedgied his friend.'
It is not profane, but it refers to a physically invasive and humiliating act, so its use should be context-sensitive. It is casual and juvenile in tone.
A prank where someone's underwear is pulled sharply upwards from behind, causing it to become uncomfortably lodged between the buttocks.
Wedgie is usually informal, slang in register.
Wedgie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɛdʒ.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɛdʒ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'To be in a wedgie of a situation' (metaphorical: to be stuck in an awkward bind).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WEDGE being driven upwards uncomfortably – a WEDGIE wedges your underwear.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT IS SOCIAL EMBARRASSMENT / BEING TRAPPED IS BEING WEDGED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'wedgie' be LEAST appropriate?