squirmish

English

Etymology

From squirm +‎ -ish.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈskwɝmɪʃ/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈskwɜːmɪʃ/

Adjective

squirmish (comparative more squirmish, superlative most squirmish)

1. showing signs of restlessness resulting from feelings of discomfort or distress.
   • 1971, U.S. Government information policies and practices--the Pentagon Papers: Hearings before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives, Ninety-second Congress, first [and second] session[s]‎^[1], volume 4, →OCLC, page 1030:

     I think it embarrassed us a little when the Russians shot the fellow down and we denied that he was there, and the President later had to identify that as a "cover story". I remember the words, even. It made me feel a little squirmish.

See also

• squeamish