Shambling: meaning, definitions and examples

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shambling

 

[ˈʃæm.bəl.ɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement style

Shambling refers to a way of walking that is characterized by a shuffling or unsteady gait. This type of movement often appears awkward or lazy, as if the person is dragging their feet rather than lifting them. Shambling can be indicative of various physical conditions or simply a relaxed manner of walking. It is commonly associated with fatigue or a lack of energy.

Synonyms

lolloping, shuffling, slouching.

Examples of usage

  • The tired dog was shambling along the path.
  • After a long day, he was shambling back home.
  • She moved with a shambling gait after the marathon.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'shamble', meaning to walk unsteadily.
  • Originally, it referred to the way animals like camels might walk awkwardly on uneven ground.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters are sometimes described as shambling to create a vivid image of their laziness or disorientation.
  • Shambling often symbolizes a carefree or aimless attitude in character development.

Pop Culture

  • Shambling is a common characteristic of zombie movies, highlighting the awkward and slow movement of the undead.
  • Games like the video game 'The Walking Dead' use shamble to depict how zombies move, making them seem eerie and menacing.

Psychology

  • Shambling can indicate a person's mental state, suggesting fatigue or lack of motivation.
  • Awkward movement may be interpreted as social anxiety or unease in certain situations.

Dance

  • In dance, shambling movements can be incorporated for comedic effect, mimicking clumsy behavior.
  • Certain styles, like breakdancing, intentionally contrast smooth movements with sudden shambles to add visual interest.

Translations

Translations of the word "shambling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deslocando-se de maneira desajeitada

🇮🇳 लड़खड़ाते हुए चलना

🇩🇪 torkeln

🇮🇩 berjalan sempoyongan

🇺🇦 захитуючись

🇵🇱 chwiejnym krokiem

🇯🇵 よろよろ歩く

🇫🇷 marcher en titubant

🇪🇸 caminar tambaleándose

🇹🇷 sarsılarak yürümek

🇰🇷 휘청거리며 걷다

🇸🇦 يمشي بتعثر

🇨🇿 kymácet

🇸🇰 kymácať

🇨🇳 摇摇晃晃地走

🇸🇮 tresočiti

🇮🇸 skakklast

🇰🇿 шалығу

🇬🇪 იწყება

🇦🇿 titrəmək

🇲🇽 caminar tambaleándose

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,879 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.