zappelig

fidgetily, restlessly

adverb TSAP-e-likh Rare

Also means

squirmingly

Usage Note

Zappelig (from zappeln, to wriggle/fidget) describes inability to sit still — wriggling, squirming, fidgeting. Zappelig auf dem Stuhl sitzen — to sit fidgeting on the chair. It is primarily used of children or of nervous adults, and is informal and vivid. Related to the informal Zappelphilipp (Fidgety Philip).

Examples

"Das Kind saß zappelig auf dem Stuhl und konnte kaum stillhalten."

Natural Translation

The child sat fidgeting on the chair and could hardly keep still.

Literal Translation

The child sat fidgetily on the chair and could hardly still-hold.

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