Elbowing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Pushing or nudging someone with the elbow as a means of getting their attention or making space
2. The act of using one's elbow to forcefully move through a crowd or to signal another person; a slight bump or jab with the elbow
3. Engaging in the physical action of jostling with the elbow to navigate tight spaces or to discreetly alert someone nearby

Etymology: Elbowing is a plain formation: the noun "elbow" with the verbal ending "-ing" attached, so "elbowing" describes the action of pressing or jabbing with that joint. The noun "elbow" itself is much older than the verb. It comes from Old English "elnboga," literally "arm-bow" (the "ell" is an old word for the forearm, and "boga" means "bow" or curve), a name that describes the bent shape of the arm at that joint. The verb follows naturally from that body part. Once English speakers had "elbow" as a noun, they used it as a verb for nudging or shoving, and the gerund form "elbowing" carries that sense into the present participle and noun uses. Because the action is so physical, the meaning has stayed close to its literal source: a sharp nudge, or a forceful path cleared through a crowd with the arm.

Synonyms: nudging, pushing, shoving