Jockeyed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jockeyed

[ˈdʒɒkiːd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

maneuvering position

The term 'jockeyed' is the past tense of the verb 'jockey', which means to maneuver something into a desired position, often through skillful or clever effort. It can be used in contexts where someone is trying to gain an advantage or manipulate a situation to their favor. This word can refer to various scenarios, including sports, negotiations, and strategic planning. Essentially, to jockey means to exert effort in order to position oneself advantageously.

Synonyms

managed, maneuvered, navigate, positioned.

Examples of usage

  • He jockeyed for a better position in the race.
  • They jockeyed for control over the committee.
  • The players jockeyed for the best starting spots.
  • She jockeyed her way into the conversation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In sports, the term has been popularized in commentary, often used when teams or players strategize to gain a lead.
  • In television and films, characters often 'jockey for position' in various social or competitive scenarios, highlighting its usage in everyday life.
  • Video games frequently incorporate the concept of 'jockeying' in multiplayer settings, where players must navigate to gain advantages over others.

Psychology

  • People commonly exhibit jockeying behavior in social situations to establish dominance or navigate hierarchies.
  • Studies suggest that individuals often jockey for attention and approval in group settings to enhance their social standing.
  • Non-verbal cues, such as body language, play a significant role in how effectively one can jockey for position in interpersonal interactions.

Literature

  • Many authors include characters who jockey for power or control, reflecting the struggle for dominance and ambition in human nature.
  • The metaphorical use of 'jockeying' is often found in literary critiques, referring to characters' attempts to outmaneuver each other plot-wise.
  • Books exploring themes of competition often use this word to depict the lengths to which individuals will go to succeed.

Sports

  • In horse racing, jockeys are highly trained athletes who must skillfully control their horses while racing at high speeds.
  • The relationship between horse and jockey is crucial; successful ones understand each other's behaviors and can 'jockey' them to win races.
  • Competitions beyond horse racing, including motorsports and cycling, also use the term to describe competitors maneuvering for better positions.

Origin of 'jockeyed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the late 16th century and originally referred to horse racing, where jockeys would ride horses to win races.
  • The word 'jockey' itself is believed to come from the Middle English term 'jokey,' meaning a small horse or horse-boy.
  • In modern English, 'jockeyed' has evolved to also describe competitive situations beyond horse racing.

The word 'jockey' origins from the late 15th century, derived from the Middle French 'jockey', which was a diminutive of 'jock', a Scot's version of the name John. It initially referred to a stable boy or a horse trader. The term evolved over time to denote a professional horse racer, reflecting the skill and agility required in horse racing. As the verb form emerged, 'jockey' came to signify any act of maneuvering or skillful handling of various situations, extending beyond horse racing to include a broader array of contexts, including business and sports. Its usage in the phrase 'jockey for position' illustrates the competitive nature of the term, indicating active efforts to create advantageous situations. Over centuries, 'jockeying' has become a common expression in English, often associated with strategic manipulation in various competitive fields.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,216, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.