Thumbing: meaning, definitions and examples

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thumbing

 

[ ˈθʌm.ɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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.

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

Word origin

The verb 'thumb' has its origins in the Old English word 'þuma,' which meant 'thumb.' This word is related to various Germanic languages, including Old High German 'duma' and Dutch 'duim,' all referring to the thumb as a physical digit. The transformation of 'thumb' into 'thumbing' represents a functional shift in language, adapting to new contexts and meanings, such as manipulating objects or signaling for a ride. Historically, thumbing was associated with various activities that involved the thumb, which is one of the most dexterous parts of the human hand, allowing for intricate movements and functions. The hitchhiking context emerged in the 20th century, parallel to the rise of automobile culture, where individuals began to use a raised thumb as a quick method to indicate their desire for a ride from passing motorists. Over time, 'thumbing' has become an integral part of informal language and communication, demonstrating the adaptability of language to new social practices and the evolution of human interaction.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,573 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.