In the hierarchy of schoolyard pranks and pop-culture tropes, few things are as iconic (or as uncomfortable) as the . While traditionally seen as a form of teasing, it has evolved into a bizarrely detailed "science" with dozens of variations. From the classic tug to the gravity-defying "Hanging Wedgie," the type you might "deserve" often depends on your persona—whether you're the class clown, the office know-it-all, or the victim of a playful BuzzFeed personality quiz . The Anatomy of a Wedgie
: For the person who truly tests everyone's patience. This extreme version involves pulling the waistband all the way up and over the recipient’s head.
: For the ultimate "target." The victim’s underwear is hooked onto a high object—like a coat hook or fence—leaving them suspended in the air. what wedgie do you really deserve
The internet has documented an exhaustive list of variations, ranging from the silly to the extreme. Some community-sourced favorites from sites like DeviantArt and Tropedia include:
: For the "unlucky" friend. This involves placing substances like food or whipped cream into the underwear before the pull. The 70+ Variations of "Comeuppance" In the hierarchy of schoolyard pranks and pop-culture
: Taking unnaturally large steps to help the fabric shift back into place naturally.
: Inserting a rod (like a baseball bat) into the leg holes and spinning it to tighten the fabric. The Anatomy of a Wedgie : For the
: A pull so intense the fabric actually tears. How to Handle a Wedgie (If You Get One)