The word "truckle" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end, which indicates that the "u" should be pronounced with a short sound ("uh"). The IPA phonetic transcription for the word is /ˈtrʌkəl/. The word can be used as a verb meaning to submit or yield to someone's demands, and it can also refer to a small wheel or roller attached to the underside of a furniture piece to make it easy to move around.
The word "truckle" is primarily used as a verb and can also be seen as a noun in certain contexts. As a verb, "truckle" refers to the act of yielding or submitting in a subservient way, often to gain favor or avoid conflict. It indicates the act of bowing down or giving in to someone else's wishes, opinions, or demands, especially when one's own views or principles might be compromised. By truckling, individuals choose to accommodate others by conforming to their expectations or desires while disregarding their own.
As a noun, "truckle" traditionally refers to a small wheel or a pulley used on a cart or a truck. This definition is more common in historical or regional contexts, and it signifies a small, rotating wheel that enables movement or support within a larger system. In metaphorical terms, the noun "truckle" can also imply a person who is subservient, yielding, or overly complacent to someone in a position of power or authority. Hence, the noun form denotes an individual who willingly submits or succumbs to the influence or demands of others instead of standing up for their own beliefs or values.
Overall, whether used as a verb or a noun, "truckle" conveys the notion of yielding, submitting, or conforming, whether physically or metaphorically, and is often associated with sacrificing personal integrity or autonomy for the sake of convenience or advantage.
• A small wheel or caster.
• To roll or cause to roll; to roll on a wheel or something round; to yield or bend obsequiously to the will of another; to submit servilely.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "truckle" originates from the Middle English term "trockle", which was used to describe a kind of small wheel or pulley. It is derived from the Old English word "troccian", meaning "to wheel" or "to turn". Over time, the word "truckle" came to refer to a low, wheeled platform or trolley used in a variety of contexts, such as for moving heavy objects or supporting a bed. Today, "truckle" is primarily used to describe a small bed that can be rolled underneath a larger one, particularly in the context of children's furniture.