Why we’re tickled by a jiggle

Most humorous words... and what makes them so amusing

“JIGGLY” and “wriggly” make people giggly, and “giggle” gives us a titter.

These are three of the funniest words in the English language, scientists have discovered.

They found the recipe for amusement is partly down to the word’s meaning, with sex and bodily functions two of the most amusing categories.

Sound is also vital, with “oo” being among the ones people love. Research leader Professor Chris Westbury said: “Here we get at the elements of humour that aren’t personal but things that are universally funny.”

The top 10 compiled researchers from the University of Alberta in Canada includes puffball, a type of mushroom.

There are some words more common in North America such as boff – to hit or to have sex with; cooch – slang for vagina; bubby – meaning a boy; and upchuck – to vomit.

Wriggly Jiggly Giggle Boff Puffball Upchuck Bubby Cooch Yaps Guffaw