Poking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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poking

[ˈpoʊ.kɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical interaction

Poking refers to the action of jabbing or pushing something with a pointed object or part of the body. It can be used to get someone's attention or express annoyance, often in a playful way.

Synonyms

jab, nudge, prod.

Examples of usage

  • She was poking him to wake him up.
  • He poked the screen to see what would happen.
  • The cat was poking its paw at the toy.
Context #2 | Noun

informal interaction

Poking, especially in the context of social media, refers to a way of interacting with someone by sending a virtual nudge or reminder. It is usually a light-hearted gesture meant to attract attention without a direct message.

Synonyms

nudge, prod, tap.

Examples of usage

  • I sent her a poke on Facebook.
  • He received a poke from a friend.
  • Stop poking me online and just text me.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'poking'

The word 'poke' originates from the Middle English word 'poken', which means to thrust or stab. The etymology can be traced back further to the Old English word 'poca', meaning to poke or jab. This term has maintained a similar meaning throughout the centuries. The word has also seen a revival with the advent of social media, where 'poking' took on a new form as a way for users to interact playfully in a digital space. The concept of poking has European roots, reflected in various languages where similar words denote a similar action involving jabbing or nudging, often in a light-hearted manner.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,908, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.