zag

American  

[zag] / zæg /

verb (used without object)

zagged, zagging

1. to move in one of the two directions followed in a zigzag course.

   First we zigged, then we zagged, trying to avoid the bull.

---

Usage

What does zag mean? Zag is an informal verb that means to move in one of the directions in a zigzag pattern.A zigzag is a line of alternating, sharp up-and-down turns that form peaks and valleys kind of resembling the letter Z. Zigzag can also be used as a verb meaning to move back and forth while traveling forward in a way that resembles this pattern.The word zig can be used to mean the same thing as zag. However, the two terms are typically used together, in which case they mean to move in opposite directions. This is usually used in a somewhat humorous way.Zig and zag are most commonly used in the context of physical movement, but they are sometimes used in situations in which people keep doing different things, such as when changing their minds back and forth.Example: I threw the ball where I said I was going to throw it, but you zigged when you should have zagged!

Etymology

Origin of zag

First recorded in 1785–95; extracted from zigzag

Example Sentences

Tilt Reiner’s filmography one way and it appears to be all about opposition, a restless yen to zag when others assumed he’d zig.

From Los Angeles Times

This is a huge blow to the idea that bitcoin is somehow something different, a supposedly uncorrelated asset that may help diversify your portfolio by sometimes zigging when everything else zags.

From MarketWatch

When used to supplement a U.S.-centric portfolio, these ETFs could zig when the S&P 500 zags.

From Barron's

While not inappropriate to a story in which fictions swamp facts, these zigs and zags can pull you out of the story rather than drawing you deeper in.

From Los Angeles Times

Going forward, the plot zigs and zags, dipping in and out of each character’s life.

From Los Angeles Times