The spelling of the word "jiggering" can be confusing for non-native English speakers. It is pronounced as /ˈdʒɪɡərɪŋ/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word is derived from the noun "jigger," which refers to a device used for measuring or adjusting the amount of liquid in a container. "Jiggering" describes the process of using this tool to shape or form clay, metal, or other materials. Despite its unusual spelling, "jiggering" is a valid English word commonly used in the pottery and metalworking industry.
Jiggering is a term that typically refers to a process used in pottery or ceramics for shaping and forming clay. It involves the use of a tool called a jigger, which is a mechanical device used to give a consistent shape to ceramic objects such as plates, bowls, or cups.
The jiggering process starts with a lump of clay placed on a rotating wheel or mold. The jigger is then pressed onto the clay, applying pressure and a spinning motion simultaneously. This allows the clay to be pushed down and shaped into the desired form, creating an even wall thickness and a smooth surface finish. The jigger can be adjusted to different sizes and shapes to accommodate various designs.
The term "jiggering" can also be used more broadly to describe any process that involves adjusting or manipulating something using a mechanical device. For example, in bartending, a jigger is a measurement tool used to pour precise amounts of alcohol into mixed drinks.
In summary, jiggering is a technique used in ceramics to shape and form clay objects using a jigger. It provides consistency and precision in creating pottery pieces and can also refer to any process involving the adjustment or manipulation of something using a mechanical device.
The word "jiggering" has its origin in late 19th-century English. It derived from the noun "jigger", which originally referred to a small measurement vessel used in bartending. The term "jigger" likely comes from the earlier term "jaggor", which meant a small mug or jug. Over time, the verb form "jigger" developed, expressing the action of manipulating or adjusting something, often used in contexts such as jiggering the settings of a machine or jiggering the controls of a device. Hence, the word "jiggering" came to signify the act of manipulating or adjusting something precisely or skillfully.