Palming: meaning, definitions and examples

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palming

 

[ ˈpɑːlmɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

card games

Palming is the act of holding a card in one hand in such a way that it is concealed from an opponent's view. This technique is commonly used in card games and magic tricks to create an illusion or gain an advantage. The goal of palming is to allow the player or magician to manipulate the card while keeping it hidden. Mastery of palming requires practice and skill in dexterity and misdirection.

Synonyms

concealing, hiding, sneaking

Examples of usage

  • The magician was expert at palming cards during his performance.
  • In poker, players often resort to palming to hide their true hand.
  • He practiced palming for hours to perfect his sleight of hand.

Word origin

The term 'palming' originates from the act of keeping an item, particularly a playing card, in the palm of the hand. Its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when card games and magic shows became popular forms of entertainment. The word 'palm' itself comes from the Latin 'palma', meaning 'the inner surface of the hand'. As card players and magicians sought to gain an edge over their competitors or audience, techniques for palming evolved. In magic, palming became a fundamental skill as performers aimed to create illusions and surprise their spectators. The concept of palming extends beyond just card games; it has also been applied in various forms of sleight-of-hand tricks, further solidifying its place in the realm of performance art.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,411, 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.