Pinching: meaning, definitions and examples
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pinching
[ ˈpɪn.tʃɪŋ ]
physical action
Pinching refers to the act of gripping or squeezing something tightly with one's fingers, often causing discomfort or pain to the object being pinched. This action can find its application in various contexts, from disciplining children to expressing annoyance. Moreover, pinching can also describe a technique used in cooking, such as when preparing pastry dough. Overall, it is a versatile gesture that conveys a range of emotions, from playful teasing to frustration.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was pinching the dough to create a decorative edge.
- He pinched her arm playfully to get her attention.
- The child was pinching himself to see if he was dreaming.
- Don't pinch that too hard; you might hurt it.
small amount
In culinary terms, a pinch refers to a small amount of an ingredient, commonly used when measuring spices or seasonings. Typically, a pinch is what one can hold between their thumb and forefinger, and its measurement is often subjective. This unit is frequently employed in recipes to indicate a minimal quantity, allowing for the enhancement of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Synonyms
dash, smidgen, sprinkle, touch
Examples of usage
- Add a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Just a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity.
- He sprinkled a pinch of pepper over the pasta.
- The recipe calls for a pinch of cinnamon.
Translations
Translations of the word "pinching" in other languages:
🇵🇹 beliscando
🇮🇳 चुटकी
🇩🇪 zwicken
🇮🇩 mencubit
🇺🇦 щипання
🇵🇱 uszczypnięcie
🇯🇵 つまむ
🇫🇷 pincer
🇪🇸 pellizcar
🇹🇷 çimdikleme
🇰🇷 꼬집기
🇸🇦 قرص
🇨🇿 štípnutí
🇸🇰 štípanie
🇨🇳 捏
🇸🇮 stisniti
🇮🇸 klípa
🇰🇿 қысу
🇬🇪 წასვლა
🇦🇿 tutma
🇲🇽 pellizcar
Word origin
The word 'pinch' originates from the Old English word 'pince', which refers to the act of grasping or squeezing. It has evolved through Middle English, where it was used similarly to describe a swift, tight grip. The action of pinching is often associated with both playful and aggressive connotations, as seen in historical texts that describe its use in various cultures for both affection and punishment. Linguistically, it shares roots with similar words in various Germanic languages, emphasizing its long-standing presence in human interaction. The modern usage of the term has diversified to include its culinary context, where it signifies a small measurement, reflecting the evolution of language as it adapts to cultural practices.