Thumbing: meaning, definitions and examples
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thumbing
[ˈθʌm.ɪŋ ]
Definitions
action of using
Thumbing refers to the action of using one's thumb, often to navigate through something such as a book, catalog, or on a smartphone. It can also imply a casual or haphazard movement using the thumb. This term is frequently used in reference to flipping through pages or scrolling on a touchscreen.
Synonyms
browsing, flipping, scrolling.
Examples of usage
- She was thumbing through the pages of the magazine.
- I spent the afternoon thumbing my way through old family photo albums.
- He was thumbing his phone while waiting for the bus.
hitchhiking gesture
In a different context, 'thumbing' can refer to the act of hitchhiking, where an individual raises their thumb to signal to passing vehicles that they seek a ride. This informal and widely recognized gesture indicates a request for a lift from strangers.
Synonyms
hitching, signaling, stopping.
Examples of usage
- They were thumbing a ride to the next town.
- I saw him thumbing at the roadside, hoping for a lift.
- Thumbing is common among backpackers and travelers.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'thumb' comes from the Old English 'þūma', which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
- In Middle English, the verb 'thumben' meant to move or press with the thumb, which evolved into its current usage.
- The suffixing of '-ing' forms gerunds in English, making 'thumbing' describe the action of using one's thumb.
Cultural Practices
- In some cultures, 'thumbing' is a way to show disapproval or disregard, as in the gesture of 'thumbs down'.
- Conversely, a 'thumbs up' can express agreement or positivity, showing how a simple action can carry significant meaning.
- Thumbing through magazines or books is a favorite pastime in many cultures, often tied to leisure and learning.
Technology
- With the rise of smartphones, 'thumbing' has evolved to include scrolling and clicking through apps using thumbs.
- The design of mobile devices often encourages 'thumb' usage, making them more user-friendly for one-handed operation.
- Texting has led to a new wave of 'thumbing', as many people use their thumbs for fast typing on touchscreen devices.
Psychology
- The action of 'thumbing' as you scroll through content can lead to quicker decision-making due to the overwhelming amount of information.
- Studies show that physical actions like 'thumbing' can create emotional connections, enhancing memory retention related to the material browsed.
- Interacting with objects using thumb movements can also affect concentration levels, often promoting a more relaxed focus.
Literature
- In literary contexts, 'thumbing' is often depicted as a character's method of quickly sifting through important documents or letters.
- The imagery of 'thumbing through pages' is frequently used to convey nostalgia and the tactile experience of reading in books.
- Poets and writers have utilized the gesture of thumbing as a metaphor for the quick passage of time or fleeting thoughts.
Translations
Translations of the word "thumbing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 apontar com o polegar
🇮🇳 अंगूठा दिखाना
🇩🇪 mit dem Daumen zeigen
🇮🇩 menunjukkan dengan ibu jari
🇺🇦 показувати великим пальцем
🇵🇱 pokazywać kciukiem
🇯🇵 親指で指し示す
🇫🇷 montrer avec le pouce
🇪🇸 mostrar con el pulgar
🇹🇷 başparmakla göstermek
🇰🇷 엄지손가락으로 가리키다
🇸🇦 الإشارة بالإبهام
🇨🇿 ukazovat palcem
🇸🇰 ukazovať palcom
🇨🇳 用拇指指
🇸🇮 pokazati s palcem
🇮🇸 benda með þumli
🇰🇿 бас бармақпен көрсету
🇬🇪 გულით მოაწვდოს
🇦🇿 baş barmaqla göstərmək
🇲🇽 mostrar con el pulgar