Pocketing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Legal Context

• Pocketing can refer to the act of theft, where someone takes something that doesn’t belong to them.
• In legal terms, pocketing can be related to embezzlement, where an employee misappropriates funds for personal use.
• The phrase 'to line your pockets' often means to become wealthy through dishonest means, reflecting the darker side of pocketing.

Finance

• In finance, 'pocketing profits' refers to taking earnings out of a business rather than reinvesting them.
• Investors sometimes talk about pocketing gains when they sell shares at a profit.
• The concept of pocketing can involve risk, as taking profits prematurely might mean missing out on further potential gains.

Cultural References

• In various stories and films, characters who pocket items without permission are often depicted as sneaky or dishonest.
• The act of pocketing is frequently associated with children sneaking cookies or toys, which portrays a sense of mischief.
• Famous heist films often play on the idea of pocketing valuables, showcasing clever techniques and suspense.

Psychology

• Research suggests that the act of pocketing might stem from impulse control issues, where individuals struggle with the temptation to take others' belongings.
• People who often pocket items may feel a thrill from the act, which can contribute to repeat behavior and potential kleptomania.
• Studies have shown that individuals who pocket small items may rationalize their behavior, believing it's harmless if it's not missed by the owner.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'pocket' comes from the Old French term 'poque,' which means a small bag.
• In the 14th century, pockets were often small bags attached to clothing rather than sewn into garments.
• The verb 'to pocket' emerged in the late 16th century, evolving from the action of placing items into pockets.

The word 'pocketing' derives from the noun 'pocket', which traces back to the late Middle English term 'poket', a diminutive of the Old French 'poque', meaning pouch or bag. This Old French term has its roots in the Latin word 'pocca', which means a small bag or pouch. The action of 'pocketing' evolved to signify more than just placing an item into a pocket; it gained connotations of concealment, secretiveness, and even illicit behavior, particularly in the context of theft. Over time, as societal norms developed and the concepts of personal property and theft became more defined, 'pocketing' took on more specific meanings in both everyday language and legal contexts. Today, it is commonly understood as either the act of stealing or, in financial terms, improperly retaining funds for oneself.

This word's position of #31,130 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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• 31127 gastronomic
• 31128 antedating
• 31129 emancipating
• 31130 pocketing
• 31131 parochialism
• 31132 disassociated
• 31133 accolade
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