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jiribilla means wiggle — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 1, 2025

😆 Funny Words

jiribilla

noun • /[hee-ree-BEE-yah]/

wiggle

Example:

Baila con mucha jiribilla en los pies.

She dances with a lot of wiggle in her feet.

🧠 What does jiribilla mean?

Jiribilla is a colloquial Spanish noun that refers to two related concepts. Firstly, it describes a state of restlessness, fidgetiness, or nervous energy, especially in children who cannot stay still. Secondly, it can refer to a clever, witty, or mischievous intention behind someone's words or actions. In this sense, a comment or question with 'jiribilla' has a subtle double meaning or a playful, sharp edge. The word captures a sense of quick, lively, and sometimes tricky energy, both physical and intellectual.

📚 Extra examples

  • El niño no paraba quieto, tenía una jiribilla que no lo dejaba sentarse.
    The child wouldn't stay still; he had a restlessness that wouldn't let him sit down.
  • Lanzó una pregunta con mucha jiribilla para ver cómo reaccionábamos.
    He asked a very pointed question to see how we would react.
  • Me encanta su sentido del humor, siempre con esa jiribilla en sus comentarios.
    I love his sense of humor, always with that witty spark in his comments.

💡 Did You Know?

The unique quality of 'jiribilla' lies in its ability to describe both a physical state (restless energy) and a mental one (sharp wit). This makes it a very versatile and expressive word, often used to describe someone who is both physically and mentally quick and lively.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "jiribilla"

Synonyms: inquietud, picardía, astucia, chispa, nerviosismo
Opposites: calma, tranquilidad, seriedad, sosería, inocencia

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'wiggle' in Spanish?
While 'jiribilla' can describe a restless movement, the most direct translation for 'wiggle' is often the verb 'moverse' or 'retorcerse'. 'Jiribilla' is more specific, referring to a quick, restless, or nervous energy, especially in children, or a clever, mischievous intention.
How do you pronounce 'jiribilla' in Spanish?
Jiribilla is pronounced /xi.ɾi.ˈbi.ʎa/. The 'j' has a soft 'h' sound, like the 'h' in 'hello'. The double 'll' is pronounced like the 'y' in 'yes'. The stress falls on the third syllable: 'ji-ri-BI-lla'.
How do you use 'jiribilla' in a sentence?
Jiribilla is a feminine noun. It is often used with the verb 'tener' (to have), as in 'tener jiribilla', to describe someone who is restless or witty. For example: 'Ese niño tiene mucha jiribilla y nunca se está quieto.' (That child is very restless and is never still.)
What is the English translation of 'jiribilla'?
Jiribilla does not have a single, perfect English equivalent. It can be translated as 'restlessness', 'fidgetiness', 'wit', or 'mischievousness' depending on the context. It captures a sense of quick, clever, or nervous energy. The word 'wiggle' is a simplification of one of its possible meanings.
Does 'jiribilla' change for gender or number?
Jiribilla is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'jiribillas'. For example: 'Sus comentarios estaban llenos de jiribillas.' (His comments were full of witty remarks.) It does not change for gender.
Is 'jiribilla' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'jiribilla' is quite common, particularly in Spain. It is a colloquial and expressive word used in informal conversations to describe both restless energy and clever, witty intentions.
Does 'jiribilla' have slang or double meanings?
The word itself has a primary double meaning: a physical restlessness and a mental quickness or wit. It is used colloquially but is not considered slang or vulgar. Its meaning is almost always playful or slightly critical, but not offensive.
Is 'jiribilla' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Jiribilla is most frequently used and understood in Spain. While it might be recognized in some parts of Latin America, it is far less common. In many Latin American countries, other words like 'inquieto' (restless) or 'pícaro' (mischievous) would be used instead.

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