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Shafting: meaning, definitions and examples

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shafting

 

[ ˈʃæftɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

mechanical engineering

A shafting refers to a system of shafts that are used to transmit power in mechanical devices such as machines or engines. It can include various components that aid in the transfer of rotary motion. Shafting plays a crucial role in industrial machinery, allowing for the efficient transmission of energy and force. Proper design and maintenance of shafting are vital for the reliability and performance of equipment.

Synonyms

axle, drive shaft, shaft

Examples of usage

  • The factory installed new shafting to improve efficiency.
  • Regular maintenance is essential for optimal shafting performance.
  • Shafting systems are integral to many manufacturing processes.
Context #2 | Verb

informal usage

In informal usage, 'shafting' can refer to the act of treating someone unfairly or deceitfully, often in a way that defrauds or betrays their trust. It conveys a sense of being wronged or cheated, sometimes in a humorous or light-hearted context. This meaning is derived from the idea of 'getting the shaft', which implies being thrust into an unfavorable situation without fair warning or recourse.

Synonyms

betray, cheat, defraud

Examples of usage

  • He really shafted me in that deal.
  • Don't shaft your coworkers; it's not good for morale.
  • They felt shafted when the promotion went to someone else.

Translations

Translations of the word "shafting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eixo

🇮🇳 शाफ्ट

🇩🇪 Welle

🇮🇩 poros

🇺🇦 вал

🇵🇱 wał

🇯🇵 シャフト

🇫🇷 arbre

🇪🇸 eje

🇹🇷 şaft

🇰🇷 축

🇸🇦 عمود

🇨🇿 hřídel

🇸🇰 hriadeľ

🇨🇳 轴

🇸🇮 os

🇮🇸 ás

🇰🇿 білік

🇬🇪 შაფტი

🇦🇿 şaft

🇲🇽 eje

Etymology

The term 'shaft' in English has its origins in Old English 'sceaft', which means a pole or a shaft, often used in reference to weapons or tools. The verb form, meaning to cheat or deceive, comes from a colloquial phrase 'to get the shaft', which emerged in American English in the 20th century. This phrase metaphorically likened someone's mistreatment to the experience of being squeezed or thrust into a disadvantageous position, akin to the mechanical action of a shaft bringing pressure. Over the years, both definitions have solidified in the lexicon, with the mechanical context being prevalent in engineering and manufacturing, while the informal, deceitful context has found its way into everyday language, often used in social and business discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,727, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.