Boodling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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boodling
[ˈbuːdlɪŋ ]
Definition
informal usage
Boodling refers to engaging in secret or illicit activities, often associated with mischievous behavior. It can imply sneaking around or doing something clandestine, typically with a playful connotation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The kids were caught boodling in the park after dark.
- She loved boodling around the town with her friends.
- They spent the afternoon boodling, trying to avoid the authorities.
Translations
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Origin of 'boodling'
The word 'boodling' has its origins in American slang, dating back to the early 20th century. It is thought to have come from the combination of the slang term 'boodle', which referred to a group or collection, particularly in a playful or mischievous context. Boodle itself may have roots in the Dutch word 'boedel', meaning property or belongings, indicating a sense of gathering or hoarding. Over time, 'boodling' evolved to encompass the act of engaging in secretive or playful activities, often with a sense of rebellion or defiance against authority. Although not widely used in formal language, it remains a colorful term in colloquial speech, particularly in regions with a rich history of slang usage.