'waddle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'waddelen', where the root is related to Old English 'wadan' meaning 'to go, to wade'.

'waddle' changed from the Middle English word 'waddelen' (a frequentative or intensive form related to movement) and eventually became the modern English word 'waddle'; earlier it is connected to Old English 'wadan' ('to go, to wade') and Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'to move, to go'.

Initially it meant 'to go or move (in a wade-like manner)', and over time it narrowed and specialized to the modern sense 'to walk with short, clumsy steps; to rock from side to side while walking'.