Definition of squirm

The word "squirm" Originates from Old English and has a fascinating history. "Sciorman" was the first recorded version of the word in 890 AD. It was a compound word, made up of "scīr" meaning "worm" and "mān" meaning "man." The Old English word was used to describe someone who wriggled like a worm. Soon after, "scīrm" by itself began to appear in the late Old English period (around 1000 AD), used to describe the writhing movements of a living creature. "Scirman" continued to be used into Middle English, but by the 14th century, the word was modified to "squyrme," a term used to describe the actions of fish thrashing in water. As English evolved, the spelling and pronunciation of the word changed. In the 16th century, "squirm" emerged as a new variation of the word, but it wasn't until the 19th century that it began to be used in its modern form to describe the actions of people and other non-fishy creatures. Today, "squirm" is commonly used to describe the uncomfortable, wriggly sensations that some people may experience, particularly in situations that make them feel embarrassed, ashamed, or uneasy. The word has truly come full circle, from its origins in Old English describing someone as "worm-like" to its current use in our everyday vocabulary.