Knudging

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Pushing or poking someone lightly with an elbow or knuckle to draw their attention or get them to move
2. Giving a gentle jab or prod, usually with the elbow, to signal or urge someone along
3. Touching or pressing someone lightly, often with a bony part of the hand, to attract notice

Etymology: "Knudging" is best understood as a spelling variant of "nudging," the present participle of "nudge," meaning to push gently with the elbow or hand. The initial "k" is an oddity of spelling rather than a separate root, so the word's history follows that of "nudge." The origin of "nudge" itself is uncertain. Etymologists have suggested a link to Scandinavian or other Germanic words for pressing or pushing, but no source establishes a firm path into English, so the verb's ancestry remains a matter of informed guesswork.