chuck
UK: tʃʌk | US: tʃʌk
n. 1. a casual throw or toss
vt. 2. to throw or toss something lightly or casually
n. 3. (informal) a term of endearment, often for a man or child
n. 4. a device that holds a tool or workpiece in a machine (e.g., lathe chuck)
No data yet.
"Chuck" originates from Middle English chukken, likely imitative of the sound of throwing or patting. Its meanings evolved from the action of tossing (verb) to the object/term for the action (noun). The endearment sense (e.g., "Hey, chuck!") arose in 16th-century England, possibly linked to "chicken" as a term of affection. The mechanical sense (lathe chuck) derives from the verb, referencing how the device "holds" or "grips" like a hand tossing an object.
He gave the ball a quick chuck across the yard.
Chuck the keys over here when you’re done.
"How’s it going, chuck?" she asked warmly.
The machinist secured the metal rod in the chuck.
She chuckled as she watched him chuck pebbles into the lake.