Piking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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piking
[ˈpaɪkɪŋ ]
Definition
informal usage
Piking refers to the act of pickpocketing or stealing items discreetly from someone's person without their notice. It is generally used in informal contexts to describe someone who is trying to take advantage of others by surreptitious means.
Synonyms
pickpocketing, snatching, stealing.
Examples of usage
- He was caught piking wallets in the crowded subway.
- The street performer was notorious for piking tourists' valuables.
- She felt uneasy in the market, worried about piking.
- Piking can often happen in large crowds where people are distracted.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Sports Science
- In gymnastics, piking helps performers maintain speed and streamline during flips or jumps, reducing air resistance.
- Proper piking technique can prevent injuries during intense physical activities by promoting a safer center of gravity.
Pop Culture
- Piking is often highlighted in competitive diving, where divers showcase their skills in pre-Olympic training montages.
- Some action-filled video games mimic piking movements, emulating athletic feats for character performances.
Health & Fitness
- Practicing piking can enhance core stability, as it requires strong abdominal muscles to hold the position.
- Many trainers incorporate piking exercises to improve flexibility and balance for athletes in diverse sports.
Literature
- Gymnastics and sports are frequent motifs in literature, often symbolizing determination and physical grace, with piking being a common reference.
- Piking showcases characters overcoming obstacles or challenges, reflecting the human desire for physical expression.
Origin of 'piking'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'pike' comes from the Middle English word 'pik', which refers to a sharp point, often like the shape of a fish.
- In sports, 'piking' likely refers to the way the body resembles the pointed shape of a pike fish when bending.
The term 'pike' originally referred to stealing or taking something in a sneaky or underhanded manner, while the verb form 'piking' evolved in the informal lexicon of the English language. Its roots can be traced back to various instances of petty theft, often in urban environments where anonymity and crowd density might allow such acts to go unnoticed. The concept aligns with the historical association of pickpocketing with bustling marketplaces and busy city streets, where thieves would capitalize on distractions and the speed of life to commit their crimes. The word reflects cultural attitudes towards crime and morality, as well as language's capacity to adapt to social realities and nuances. As societies changed, so did the terminology surrounding theft, with 'piking' emerging as a casual and somewhat colloquial reference to the act of stealing in a non-violent, stealthy manner. It is a term that likely gained traction in English-speaking communities and has retained its relevance in discussions about theft and urban crime.