Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Jockeying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏇
Add to dictionary

jockeying

[ˈdʒɒkiɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

competition positioning

Jockeying refers to the act of maneuvering oneself or one's position in a competitive environment, often in a strategic way to gain an advantage over others. This term is commonly used in various contexts, including sports, business, and personal relationships, where individuals or groups attempt to outsmart or outmaneuver their rivals. The term can also imply a level of urgency or pressure in the pursuit of one's goals.

Synonyms

maneuvering, outmaneuvering, positioning, strategizing.

Examples of usage

  • She was jockeying for position in the competitive job market.
  • The athletes were jockeying for the lead in the race.
  • During negotiations, he was jockeying to get the best deal.
  • They were jockeying for influence in the upcoming election.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In horse racing, jockeys are skilled riders who control and navigate their horses to win races.
  • Jockeying can also refer to strategy in team sports, where players maneuver for better positions to score or defend.
  • In auto racing, drivers often jockey for position on the track, leading to exciting overtakes and competition.

Politics

  • In political contexts, jockeying involves candidates or parties positioning themselves favorably during elections.
  • Political jockeying can include negotiations and alliances where individuals seek leverage over others.
  • This tactic is commonly seen in legislative processes, where lawmakers may shift their stances to gain support.

Business

  • In business, employees may jockey for promotions or recognition, competing for managerial positions.
  • This competitive behavior can lead to innovative ideas as workers strive to stand out.
  • Negotiation tactics often involve jockeying to achieve more favorable terms and agreements.

Origin of 'jockeying'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'jockey' originates from the 16th century, meaning 'a horseman or rider.'
  • It likely comes from a diminutive form of 'Jack,' referring to a man or a lad, indicating someone who rides horses.
  • Over time, the word evolved to not only refer to horse racing but also to describe maneuvers in competition.

The term 'jockeying' is derived from the word 'jockey,' which originally referred to a person who rides horses in races. The term comes from the late Middle English 'jokey,' which has roots in the Old French term 'jocquier' meaning 'to manage.' The use of 'jockey' to indicate cunning or crafty maneuvering in other contexts emerged in the 19th century as the act of a rider in a race was seen as a metaphor for competition and strategy. Over time, 'jockeying' broadened in scope, becoming associated with various fields such as politics, business, and everyday interpersonal interactions, where people seek to gain advantage through tactical movements or schemes.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,539 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.