The word "juggling" is spelled with a "g" in the middle, although its sound is pronounced like a "j". This is because "juggle" is derived from the Old French "jogler" and ultimately from Latin "joculari", both of which had a "j" sound. However, in Middle English, the letter "g" was often used where "j" is used today, leading to the spelling "jugglen". Over time, the spelling shifted back to "juggling", but the "g" sound remained. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈdʒʌɡəlɪŋ/.
Juggling is a verb that refers to the act of manipulating and controlling objects, usually by hand, in a skillful, rhythmic, and coordinated manner. It involves the simultaneous handling of multiple objects or items, typically balls, clubs, rings, or even more exotic props like knives or fire torches.
In juggling, the performer throws and catches the objects in a fluid and continuous motion, while maintaining control and performing various patterns or tricks. This requires hand-eye coordination, dexterity, timing, balance, and spatial awareness.
Juggling is often associated with entertainment and is commonly performed by professional jugglers in various settings, such as circuses, fairs, street performances, or as part of stage shows. It is also a popular recreational activity, pursued by amateurs as a hobby or form of physical exercise.
While juggling traditionally involves physical objects, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of managing multiple tasks or responsibilities simultaneously, often under time pressure or limited resources. This broader definition reflects the idea of mentally "juggling" various obligations, commitments, or projects in one's personal or professional life.
Overall, juggling encompasses both a physical and metaphorical sense of skilled manipulation, making it a versatile term with multiple connotations and applications.
• Playing tricks by sleight of hand; deceiving.
• The act or practice of; deceit; trickery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "juggling" originated from the Middle English term "jogelen" or "jugglen", which emerged in the late 14th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "jogler" or "joglar", which referred to a minstrel or entertainer who performed various tricks and acts. This Old French term, in turn, may have come from the Latin word "ioculari", meaning "to jest" or "to joke". Over time, the term "juggling" began to specifically refer to the skill of manipulating objects, such as balls or knives, in a coordinated and entertaining manner.