wangle

[ wang-guhl ]

verb (used with object)

, wan·gled, wan·gling.

1. to bring about, accomplish, or obtain by scheming or underhand methods:

   to wangle an invitation.

   Synonyms: wheedle, engineer, finagle, maneuver

2. to falsify or manipulate for dishonest ends:

   to wangle business records.

verb (used without object)

, wan·gled, wan·gling.

1. to use contrivance, scheming, or underhand methods to obtain some goal or result.
2. to manipulate something for dishonest ends.

noun

1. an act or instance of wangling.

wangle

/ ˈwæŋɡəl /

verb

1. tr to use devious or illicit methods to get or achieve (something) for (oneself or another)

   he wangled himself a salary increase

2. to manipulate or falsify (a situation, action, etc)

noun

1. the act or an instance of wangling

Derived Forms

• ˈwangler, noun

Other Words From

• wangler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wangle¹

1810–20; blend of wag (the tongue) and dangle (about someone, i.e., hang around someone, court someone's favor)

Word History and Origins

Origin of wangle¹

C19: originally printers' slang, perhaps a blend of waggle and dialect wankle wavering, from Old English wancol; compare Old High German wankōn to waver

Example Sentences

Other secretaries had used their nearness to him to wangle acting or dancing or singing assignments on other and lesser shows.

From Project Gutenberg

Wangle; the handful of straw a thatcher grasps in his left hand from time to time while thatching, twisted up tight at one end.

From Project Gutenberg

I had a specially bad one, and managed with great skill to wangle a fortnight's sick leave in Paris.

From Project Gutenberg

And the old Cats said, "Be particularly careful not to meddle with a clangle-wangle if you should see one."

From Project Gutenberg

But you've not managed badly to wangle a 'second', have you, Snowy and Daddles?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• wriggle