What does palming mean?
Palming refers to the act of secretly taking or concealing something, often in the palm of one's hand. This technique is commonly used in magic tricks and illusions, where a skilled performer can palm an object such as a coin or card, making it appear as though it has vanished. In a broader sense, palming can also refer to secretly taking or concealing something, often in a sneaky or dishonest manner. The term is derived from the word 'palm', which refers to the inner surface of the human hand. Palming requires a great deal of skill and practice, as the object being palmed must be completely concealed from view.
verbThe act of secretly taking or concealing something, especially in the palm of one's hand.
- The act of secretly taking or concealing something.
- A technique used in magic tricks to secretly hold or conceal an object.
"The magician was skilled at palming the coin during the trick."
"The magician's skill at palming the coin amazed the audience."
"She was accused of palming the money from the cash register."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of palming
The term 'palming' is derived from the word 'palm', which refers to the inner surface of the human hand. The word 'palm' itself has a long history, dating back to Old English and Germanic roots. The use of 'palming' in the context of magic tricks and illusions is a more recent development, and is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
How palming is actually used
This term is often used in the context of magic tricks or illusions, but can also refer to secretly taking or concealing something in a more general sense.