jockey
UK: ˈdʒɒki | US: ˈdʒɑːki
n. 1. A professional rider in horse races.
n. 2. A person who operates or controls something (e.g., a "disc jockey").
vt. 1. To maneuver or manipulate skillfully (e.g., "to jockey for position").
jockey = jock<horse> + ey<diminutive suffix>
- jock: Derived from the Scots/English nickname "Jock" (variant of "Jack"), historically associated with horse handlers.
- ey: A diminutive suffix, often used in names (e.g., "hockey," "donkey").
Etymology Origin:
The word "jockey" originated in 16th-century England as a term for a horse-dealer or stable boy, derived from the nickname "Jock" (a Scottish form of "Jack"). Over time, it specialized to mean a professional horse racer. The verb form evolved metaphorically, reflecting the agility and strategic maneuvering of a rider.
The jockey guided the horse to victory in the final lap.
She worked as a disc jockey at a local radio station.
Politicians often jockey for influence during elections.
The young jockey trained rigorously for the derby.
He managed to jockey the car into the tight parking space.