The phrase describes a phenomenon where elongated, flexible entities move aerially across the visual field. This movement implies a non-rigid form adapting to air currents or self-propelling in a sinuous manner. Consider, for example, the observation of kite-like objects with articulated tails or the motion of certain airborne invertebrates.
Understanding this type of aerial movement can be crucial in various fields. In aerodynamics, it informs the design of flexible aircraft or advanced kite structures. In biology, observation of such movement patterns could reveal evolutionary adaptations related to flight and predator evasion. Historically, interpretations of these observations have ranged from whimsical descriptions of natural phenomena to the identification of novel aerodynamic principles.