What does palmed mean?
The word 'palmed' is the past tense of the verb 'palm', which means to conceal or hide something in the palm of one's hand. This action is often associated with magic tricks, where a performer might palm an object to make it seem like it has disappeared. However, 'palmed' can also be used in a more general sense to describe the act of hiding or concealing something. In some cases, 'palmed' can have a slightly negative connotation, implying deception or trickery, especially when used in the phrase 'palmed off', which means to pass off something as genuine or acceptable when it is not. Understanding the context in which 'palmed' is used is crucial to interpreting its meaning correctly. The term is used in both British and US English.
verbPast tense of palm, meaning to conceal or hide something in the palm of one's hand.
- To hold or conceal something in the palm of one's hand.
- To palm off something on someone: to pass off something as genuine or acceptable when it is not.
"The magician palmed the coin and made it disappear."
"The street performer palmed the ball and made it seem like magic."
"She tried to palm off the fake designer handbag as the real thing."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of palmed
The verb 'palmed' originates from the noun 'palm', referring to the inner surface of the human hand. The action of hiding something in the palm of one's hand dates back to ancient times and has been used in various forms of performance and deception. The word 'palm' itself comes from Old English 'pælm', derived from Latin 'palma', also the source of the modern English word 'palm'.
How palmed is actually used
The verb 'palmed' can have different connotations depending on the context. In magic, it is a neutral term. In other situations, it can imply deception or trickery.