Palmed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'palm' comes from the Latin 'palma', originally referring to the palm of the hand.
• In this context, 'palmed' evolved to mean hiding an object, drawing from the idea of concealing it in the palm.
• The practice of palming is seen in language dating back to the 17th century, especially in the context of magic tricks and sleight of hand.

Magic and Performance

• Palming is a common technique in card tricks, where a magician discreetly holds a card in their hand after presenting it.
• Famous magicians like David Copperfield often use palming to create illusions that astonish audiences, emphasizing the element of surprise.
• In magic, the effectiveness of palming depends on practice, misdirection, and the ability to distract the audience's attention.

Psychology

• The ability to palm effectively involves understanding human perception, as viewers often focus on what they expect to see.
• Cognitive load theory suggests that people can hold only a limited amount of information in mind, making them more susceptible to deception when attention is divided.
• Studies show that when people are primed to notice specific details, they are less likely to notice someone using a palming technique.

Sociolinguistics

• In some cultures, the act of palming can be seen as deceptive, whereas in magic and entertainment, it is celebrated as a skill.
• Different languages have unique phrases that capture the concept of palming – for instance, the French use 'cacher dans la main' meaning 'hide in the hand'.
• The social acceptance of palming varies across contexts, especially in gaming or street performances compared to formal settings where honesty is valued.

This word's position of #31,050 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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