Jostling is a verb that means to push or shove someone in a crowded place. The IPA transcription of the word is ˈdʒɒslɪŋ. The initial sound is /dʒ/ which is a voiced palato-alveolar affricate. The following sound is /ɒ/ which is an open back rounded vowel. The third sound is /s/ which is an unvoiced alveolar sibilant. Finally, the last sound is ɪ which is an unrounded close central vowel. Overall, the spelling of "jostling" accurately represents its pronunciation.
Jostling is a verb that refers to the act of pushing or shoving someone or something in a rough or forceful manner, often in a crowded or confined space. It typically involves physical contact or exertion of pressure against another person or object in order to gain advantage, acquire more space, or create movement. The action of jostling can occur intentionally or unintentionally, as a result of a person's intentional effort to navigate through a crowded area or due to their body's involuntary movements amidst a crowd.
Jostling can occur in various settings such as crowded streets, transportation systems, sports events, or even informal gatherings. In crowded spaces, people may engage in jostling to maintain their position, move forward, or access a desired area. It can also be noticed in competitive situations, where players may jostle each other to gain control of the ball or gain an advantageous position.
The term also carries a metaphorical sense of competition or struggle in non-physical contexts. For example, in the business world, companies may jostle for market share, resources, or customers' attention. In politics, different parties or candidates can be seen jostling for power or influence. In these contexts, jostling implies intense competition, striving, or maneuvering with the aim of achieving one's goals or gaining an advantage over others.
Overall, jostling involves physical or metaphorical movement that occurs through pushing, shoving, or intentional forceful contact, often within a crowd, and can signify competition, struggle, or a desire to gain advantage.
The word "jostling" is derived from the Middle English word "jostlen", which is thought to have originated from the Old French word "joster", meaning "to joust" or "to tilt". In medieval times, jousting was a popular sport in which knights would engage in mock battles on horseback. Over time, the term "jostling" began to be used metaphorically to describe any kind of pushing, shoving, or bumping during crowded situations, akin to the physical contact occurring during a jousting match.