Bounce vs. Jiggle: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 18, 2023
"Bounce implies rebounding off a surface, while jiggle involves quick, small, repetitive motion. One returns; the other oscillates."
Key Differences
"Bounce" generally refers to the motion of an object falling onto a surface and rebounding due to elasticity or force. It's a larger, more forceful action, often involving a change in direction. On the other hand, "jiggle" signifies a lighter, quicker movement, often back and forth or up and down, usually caused by a gentle shaking or tapping, not requiring a hard surface to initiate the motion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
In terms of energy, "bounce" requires an initial force or energy for the action to occur, like a ball hitting the ground and springing back up. "Jiggle," however, is often a continuation of energy, a series of small, rapid movements, like a plate of gelatin quivering when moved.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
"Bounce" can also imply resilience, as in bouncing back from difficulties, indicating a return to a prior state after encountering resistance or setback. In contrast, "jiggle" doesn't imply a return to an original state but is more about a consistent, often playful, oscillation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
In usage, "bounce" is often related to sports or physical activities, indicative of objects like balls or actions like jumping. "Jiggle," however, is commonly used in relation to body parts or more fluid substances, indicating a less structured, more wobbly movement.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
"Bounce" and "jiggle" also differ in sound representation or onomatopoeia. "Bounce" implies a heavier, more pronounced sound, such as a basketball bouncing on a court. "Jiggle," however, suggests a lighter, less distinct sound, like keys jiggling in a pocket.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Bounce and Jiggle Definitions
Bounce
To rebound after hitting a surface.
The ball will bounce if you throw it hard enough.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Jiggle
To move with quick, short movements up and down or from side to side.
She couldn't stop jiggling her leg during the interview.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Bounce
To move up and down repeatedly.
The excited child continued to bounce on the bed.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Jiggle
A rapid, shaky motion.
The machine made a strange jiggle before it started working.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Bounce
To move with liveliness or energy.
She would bounce into the room with an infectious energy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
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Jiggle
To fidget or play with something in one's hands.
Stop jiggling the keys; you're making me nervous.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Bounce
To be dismissed or rejected.
The check will bounce if there's not enough money in the account.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Jiggle
A wobbly, unstable movement.
The jelly on the plate gave a jiggle as it was set on the table.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Jiggle
To move or rock lightly up and down or to and fro in an unsteady, jerky manner
The gelatin jiggled on the plate.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To be left unpaid because of an overdrawn account
A check that bounced.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Jiggle
A relatively weak shaking movement.
Give the key a jiggle and see if it opens.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(Computers) To be sent back by a mail server as undeliverable
That email bounced because I used "com" instead of "net.".
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Jiggle
(transitive) To shake something gently; to rattle or wiggle.
Jiggle the handle and see if the water stops.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(Baseball) To hit a ground ball to an infielder
The batter bounced out to the shortstop.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Jiggle
(intransitive) To shake, rattle, or wiggle.
The jelly jiggled in the bowl for a few moments after it was set down.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To cause to strike an object or a surface and rebound
Bounce a ball on the sidewalk.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To present or propose for comment or approval. Often used with off
Bounced a few ideas off my boss.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Jiggle
Move to and fro;
Don't jiggle your finger while the nurse is putting on the bandage!
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Jiggle
To cause something to move with quick, short movements.
He jiggled the door handle to see if it was locked.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Bounce
A sudden bound or upward movement
The bike went over the rock with a bounce.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
Cheerfulness or liveliness
"He had managed to recover much of his bounce and spirit" (Paul Auster).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
A fast, energetic style of hip-hop originating in New Orleans and characterized by repetitive, often sexual call-and-response lyrics.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
A style of dance performed to this music characterized by rapid body movements, especially of the gluteal and hamstring muscles in a way that resembles bouncing while keeping the feet on the ground.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(intransitive) To change the direction of motion after hitting an obstacle.
The tennis ball bounced off the wall before coming to rest in the ditch.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(intransitive) To move quickly up and then down, or vice versa, once or repeatedly.
He bounces nervously on his chair.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(transitive) To cause to move quickly up and down, or back and forth, once or repeatedly.
He bounced the child on his knee.
The children were bouncing a ball against a wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To suggest or introduce (an idea, etc.) to (off or by) somebody, in order to gain feedback.
I'm meeting Bob later to bounce some ideas off him about the new product range.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(intransitive) To leap or spring suddenly or unceremoniously; to bound.
She bounced happily into the room.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To be refused by a bank because it is drawn on insufficient funds.
We can’t accept further checks from you, as your last one bounced.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To fail to cover have sufficient funds for (a draft presented against one's account).
He tends to bounce a check or two toward the end of each month, before his payday.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To eject violently, as from a room; to discharge unceremoniously, as from employment.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(sometimes employing the preposition with) To have sexual intercourse.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To turn power off and back on; to reset.
See if it helps to bounce the router.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To return undelivered.
What’s your new email address? The old one bounces.
The girl in the bar told me her address was thirsty@example.com, but my mail to that address was bounced back by the server.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To land hard and lift off again due to excess momentum.
The student pilot bounced several times during his landing.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To land hard at unsurvivable velocity with fatal results.
After the mid-air collision, his rig failed and he bounced.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To mix (two or more tracks of a multi-track audio tape recording) and record the result onto a single track, in order to free up tracks for further material to be added.
Bounce tracks two and three to track four, then record the cowbell on track two.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(archaic) To strike or thump, so as to rebound, or to make a sudden noise; to knock loudly.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
A change of direction of motion after hitting the ground or an obstacle.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(internet) An email that returns to the sender because of a delivery failure.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(archaic) Bluster; brag; untruthful boasting; audacious exaggeration; an impudent lie; a bouncer.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
(uncountable) A genre of hip-hop music of New Orleans, characterized by often lewd call-and-response chants.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To strike or thump, so as to rebound, or to make a sudden noise; a knock loudly.
Another bounces as hard as he can knock.
Against his bosom bounced his heaving heart.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To leap or spring suddenly or unceremoniously; to bound; as, she bounced into the room.
Out bounced the mastiff.
Bounced off his arm+chair.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To eject violently, as from a room; to discharge unceremoniously, as from employment.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
A heavy, sudden, and often noisy, blow or thump.
The bounce burst open the door.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
Bluster; brag; untruthful boasting; audacious exaggeration; an impudent lie; a bouncer.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
With a sudden leap; suddenly.
This impudent puppy comes bounce in upon me.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
Spring back; spring away from an impact;
The rubber ball bounced
These particles do not resile but they unite after they collide
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
Eject from the premises;
The ex-boxer's job is to bounce people who want to enter this private club
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 30, 2022
Bounce
To return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.
He managed to bounce back quickly after his illness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
FAQs
Does "jiggle" imply instability?
Often, it implies a lack of firmness or steadiness in the motion.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Does "bounce" always require a surface to rebound from?
Generally, yes, bounce typically involves rebounding off a surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "bounce" refer to non-physical resilience?
Yes, it can also indicate emotional or financial recovery or resilience.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is "jiggle" always intentional?
No, it can be an accidental or involuntary motion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is "jiggle" always a smaller movement?
Typically, yes, jiggle refers to quick, small, repetitive motions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "jiggle" be involuntary?
Yes, it can refer to involuntary shaking or repetitive motion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
What does a "bounce rate" refer to?
In web analytics, it's the percentage of visitors who leave a site after viewing only one page.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "jiggle" indicate nervousness?
Yes, people often jiggle legs or hands as a nervous habit.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Is "bounce" only used in a physical context?
No, it's also used metaphorically, like in "bouncing back" from a problem.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Can you "bounce" an idea off someone?
Yes, it means to share an idea with someone to get their feedback.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Does "jiggle" have a musical connotation?
Sometimes, it's used to describe the playful rhythm or movement in dance or music.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Is "jiggling" a form of exercise?
Some exercises involve jiggling motions, but it's not a formal exercise category.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "bounce" refer to email?
Yes, a "bounced" email is one that is returned to the sender due to an issue.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is there a "bouncing" dance move?
Yes, some dances include bouncing movements.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
What's a "bounce house"?
It's an inflatable structure where children can jump and bounce.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "jiggling" help in loosening something fixed?
Yes, jiggling can sometimes loosen tight or stuck objects.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Can a price "bounce"?
Yes, in finance, a price can bounce, or recover after a decline.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can a machine "jiggle"?
Yes, if it's in motion or has loose parts, it might jiggle.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Does "jiggle" imply playfulness?
Often, it's associated with playful or light-hearted movement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can you "bounce" in sports?
Yes, many sports involve bouncing, like basketball.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
