Funny Words That Start With W [LIST]

When it comes to language, there’s something inherently amusing about certain words, and ‘w’ words are no exception. From quirky sounds to odd spellings, the letter ‘w’ seems to have a special knack for producing some of the most entertaining words in the English language. Whether they are tongue-twisters, oddly specific terms, or just downright silly, words that start with ‘w’ often bring a smile to our faces. In this article, we’ll explore a list of funny and unusual ‘w’ words that are sure to add a touch of humor to your vocabulary.

From the whimsical ‘wobble’ to the peculiar “widdershins”, the diversity of funny words starting with ‘w’ is endless. Some are strange and rare, while others are just funny because of how they sound or what they mean. Whether you’re looking to impress friends with your knowledge of odd words or just in need of a laugh, this list of wacky ‘w’ words is guaranteed to deliver. Let’s dive into these wonderfully weird words that make English such a fun language to explore.

Funny Words That Start With W

1. Waddle

The word ‘waddle’ describes the funny, awkward, side-to-side walking motion typically associated with penguins. It’s often used to describe a comical or clumsy walk.

Examples

• The penguin waddled awkwardly across the ice.
• As he walked through the crowded street, his backpack made him waddle from side to side.

2. Wobble

‘Wobble’ refers to something shaking or unsteady, often causing a funny or unstable effect. It’s commonly used for objects or people that aren’t quite stable.

Examples

• The table wobbled because one of the legs was shorter than the others.
• She wobbled on her high heels as she tried to keep her balance.

3. Whimsy

Whimsy is the quality of being playful, light-hearted, or full of quirky charm. It often implies an element of surprise or childlike wonder.

Examples

• The whimsical design of the garden made it feel like something out of a fairy tale.
• Her sense of whimsy made every day feel like an adventure.

4. Wiggle

‘Wiggle’ is to move with short, quick motions, usually side to side, and is often used to describe something playful or amusing in nature.

Examples

• He wiggled his fingers to get her attention.
• The puppy wiggled its tail excitedly as it saw its owner return.

5. Whopper

A ‘whopper’ is a huge or exaggerated lie, often told in a humorous context. It’s used to describe an especially outlandish or unbelievable tale.

Examples

• He told a whopper of a lie when he said he swam across the English Channel.
• That story about meeting the queen was a total whopper!

6. Wigwam

A ‘wigwam’ is a type of dome-shaped shelter traditionally used by Indigenous people of North America. The word is often used humorously to describe any small, makeshift structure.

Examples

• The kids played in the wigwam they built from blankets and chairs.
• They stayed in a cozy wigwam during their camping trip.

7. Whizbang

A ‘whizbang’ refers to something flashy, impressive, or full of excitement. It can also refer to a gadget or tool that seems overly advanced or high-tech.

Examples

• That new gadget is a real whizbang – it’s got all the latest features!
• The fireworks display was a real whizbang of color and sound.

8. Wacky

Wacky is used to describe something that is quirky, bizarre, or amusingly strange. It’s often applied to people, behavior, or ideas that stand out as unusual or funny.

Examples

• He showed up to the party in a wacky costume with a giant chicken hat.
• Their wacky sense of humor always makes me laugh.

9. Wiggleworm

‘Wiggleworm’ is a playful term used for someone, especially a child, who can’t sit still and constantly moves or squirms around.

Examples

• The toddler was a total wiggleworm, always moving and squirming.
• Stop being such a wiggleworm and sit still for once!

10. Whackadoodle

A ‘whackadoodle’ describes something crazy, absurd, or completely out of the ordinary. It can also be used to refer to a person who is acting in a very eccentric manner.

Examples

• That idea is completely whackadoodle, it’s never going to work.
• His whackadoodle dancing had everyone laughing at the party.

11. Waffle

To ‘waffle’ means to be indecisive or to go back and forth on a decision. It can also refer to the popular breakfast food that has a funny, repetitive sound when said aloud.

Examples

• Stop waffling and make a decision already!
• She was waffling between two options for the weekend getaway.

12. Wimp

A ‘wimp’ is a person who is perceived as weak or overly cautious, often in a humorous, teasing way. It’s a light-hearted term to poke fun at someone’s lack of courage or toughness.

Examples

• Don’t be such a wimp! It’s just a little rain.
• He’s not a wimp, he just doesn’t like getting dirty.

13. Whippersnapper

‘Whippersnapper’ is an old-fashioned, humorous term used to describe a young person who is seen as overconfident or brash, often in a playful, endearing way.

Examples

• That young whippersnapper thinks he knows everything!
• The old man chuckled at the antics of the whippersnapper in the street.

14. Wonk

‘Wonk’ is an informal term used to describe something that is crooked, awkward, or just doesn’t function right. It often adds a comical twist to descriptions of objects or situations.

Examples

• That chair you bought is a real wonk-it’s all lopsided!
• The clock on the wall had a wonk to it, making it seem like time was warped.

15. Wahoo

‘Wahoo’ is an exclamation of excitement, joy, or victory, often used to express a fun, carefree celebration of something good happening.

Examples

• He shouted a joyful ‘Wahoo!’ as he crossed the finish line.
• Wahoo! We won the game!

16. Whinny

A ‘whinny’ is the high-pitched sound made by a horse. It’s a funny word because it’s rarely heard outside of farm or riding contexts, and can evoke a playful image of an animal calling out.

Examples

• The horse gave a loud whinny as it galloped past us.
• She couldn’t stop her horse from whinnying as it saw a familiar face.

17. Wench

‘Wench’ is an old-fashioned term for a woman, often used in a playful or humorous context, especially in historical or pirate-themed settings.

Examples

• The pirates laughed and teased their favorite wench as she served them drinks.
• She called out, ‘Ahoy, wench!’ as she joined the crew for the feast.

18. Whomp

‘Whomp’ describes the sound or action of something heavy or forceful hitting another object. It’s a word that evokes a comic sense of impact or surprise.

Examples

• The heavy book fell with a loud whomp, startling everyone in the room.
• He delivered a great big whomp to the punching bag in the gym.

Historical Context

Language is a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, and the humor embedded in words is no exception. The history of words that start with "W" is as varied and amusing as the words themselves. The letter "W" is the only letter in the modern English alphabet that doesn’t have a direct ancestor in the Roman alphabet, making it a uniquely English invention. In medieval times, "W" was a double-U (or double V, depending on how you look at it), which is part of why it often brings a quirky, whimsical sound to the words it starts. Historically, words beginning with "W" often take on a playful, exaggerated sound that tends to evoke humor.

One historical context worth noting is how the sound of "W" evolved in English. Originally, Old English had a similar sound represented by "wynn," a letter that fell out of use but contributed to the shape and sound of words starting with "W" today. The consonant "w" is voiced and creates a playful, round quality that’s often associated with nonsense and lightheartedness. It’s this particular phonetic quality that has allowed so many words beginning with "W" to have a funny or whimsical connotation.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, English writers, particularly those involved in plays and comedic literature, embraced the "W" sound because of its humorous resonance. The writers of the English Renaissance—especially those like Shakespeare—often relied on the rhythm and sound of words like "whippersnapper" or "waddle" to deliver punchlines with bouncy, jovial sounds. The use of "W" in these comedic contexts, particularly in the plays, helped cement the letter as a purveyor of humor in the English language.

Word Origins And Etymology

The origin of words that begin with "W" often reveals a great deal about their playful or humorous undertones. Many of these words have rich etymologies that trace back to Germanic, Old Norse, or even Latin roots, often with meanings that weren’t funny in the beginning but have taken on humorous connotations over time. Here are some examples:

1. Whippersnapper – The word "whippersnapper" dates back to the early 17th century and originally referred to a young, inexperienced person (often a brash, cocky one) who would snap a whip (or, metaphorically, challenge authority). Over time, its meaning evolved into a humorous term for a young person who is seen as overly bold or cheeky—often in a way that’s more endearing than offensive.

2. Waddle – "Waddle," which comes from the Old English word wædlian (meaning to walk with short steps), evokes an image of a silly, stumbling gait, often associated with penguins or ducks. The word’s etymology traces to the Germanic wadjan, meaning “to move back and forth,” and is still used today to describe a clumsy, amusing walk.

3. Wiggle – This word comes from the Old Norse word vigla, meaning “to move back and forth.” While it originally referred to a small, jerky motion, it quickly picked up a playful, amusing undertone as it came to describe the motions of a child or a dance move. The "wiggle" motion is inherently humorous because of its unpredictability and the fun images it conjures.

4. Wobble – "Wobble" likely comes from the Old English word wobban, meaning “to sway or to rock,” but it’s the way it’s used today that’s particularly funny. To wobble is to move in a way that’s unsteady or uncertain, often associated with a lack of coordination. The fun lies in the word’s association with objects or people that are on the brink of falling but never quite do, invoking a sense of playful uncertainty.

The etymology of these words reveals how they were shaped by sound and usage, often taking on humor not because of their meaning alone, but because of the way they are used in context, or the amusing imagery they provoke.

Common Misconceptions

While "W" words are often thought of as funny because of their sound or historical associations, there are several misconceptions about their meanings, origins, and usage that are worth addressing. Let’s tackle some of the common myths:

1. "Whippersnapper" is just for children.

   Many people assume that "whippersnapper" is a term reserved for kids, but it can also apply to an adult who behaves in an impertinent, presumptuous manner. The key is the attitude of being overly bold or brash, regardless of age.

2. "Waddle" is only used for animals.

   While it’s true that "waddle" is commonly associated with the distinctive walk of ducks, penguins, and other animals, it can also be used to describe humans. Picture a toddler taking their first steps or a person carrying a heavy load—both scenarios can involve a waddle that is equally amusing. It’s not confined to the animal kingdom!

3. "Wiggle" means just a small movement.

   Many people think of a wiggle as a tiny, insignificant motion, like a finger wiggling or a small shift in posture. However, "wiggle" can sometimes imply a more exaggerated, playful movement, often associated with dance or excitement. It’s also commonly used to describe the way people move when they are excited or enthusiastic, as in "wiggling with joy."

4. "Wobble" means the same as "shake."

   While both words describe movement, "wobble" specifically implies an unsteady or uneven motion, often on the verge of falling. A "wobbling" object is typically in danger of toppling over, while a "shake" can be a more controlled or purposeful action. This distinction makes "wobble" funnier when used to describe a shaky table, for example, versus a simple shake of a hand.

5. All words with "W" are funny.

   This is perhaps the most common misconception. While many words that start with "W" may sound playful or amusing, not all of them are inherently funny. Words like "wrought," "wither," or "warrant" might start with a "W," but their tone is far more serious, and they don’t lend themselves to humor in the same way that "whisk" or "whiz" do.

Conclusion

Words that start with "W" have a unique place in the English language, often evoking a sense of fun, playfulness, and lightheartedness. Their historical context reveals how the sound of "W" evolved in English, contributing to its association with humor. The etymology of these words shows how they began with specific meanings but took on more whimsical and humorous connotations over time. And while there are some common misconceptions about how "W" words are used or understood, these words remain integral to the fabric of the language, adding a touch of levity to everything from casual conversation to literature.

The humor of "W" words lies not just in their meanings, but in their ability to sound funny—often even when the subject matter is serious. Whether you’re talking about a "whippersnapper" full of youthful energy, a "wobbling" table on the brink of collapse, or a child in the midst of a "wiggle," the mere utterance of these words often evokes smiles and chuckles. Ultimately, it’s their unique history, origins, and the playful images they conjure that cement their place in our language as some of the funniest words we can use.