  We derive the equations of motion for general strings, i.e. strings with
arbitrary relation between tension $\tau$ and energy per unit length
$\epsilon$. The renormalization of $\tau$ and $\epsilon$ that results from
averaging out small scale wiggles on the string is obtained in the general case
to lowest order in the amount of wiggliness. For Nambu-Goto strings we find
deviations from the equation of state $\epsilon \tau = {\rm constant}$ in
higher orders. Finally we argue that wiggliness may radically modify the gauge
cosmic string scenario.
