Chumming

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈt͡ʃʌmɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The practice of preparing a concoction of fish remains and additional components to entice fish for angling purposes
2. This involves mixing remnants of fish with other substances to attract different fish during the fishing process
3. The act of releasing fish parts or similar materials into water to lure fish closer for catching

Etymology: "Chumming" is the present participle of "chum," the verb for throwing scraps of bait into the water to draw fish. The fishing sense is American, first recorded in the 1850s, and its origin is unclear. "Perhaps from Powhatan" is one proposal, but no source is firmly established. The older "chum," meaning a close companion, appears in the 1675–85 period. Its origin is also uncertain. It may be a shortening of "chambermate," or it may come from "comrade." A Welsh source, "cymrawd" ("fellow"), is considered less likely. Unrelated to both is a homograph, "chum," meaning a tent or shelter, borrowed from Russian "чум," which in turn came from Komi-Zyrian and Udmurt.