Tossable
Part of speech: adjective
Definitions
- Capable of being thrown lightly or casually | Able to be delivered or cast carelessly or aimlessly | Suitable for being flipped or propelled in a nonchalant manner
- Fit to be thrown with ease or without much effort
- Possessing the quality of being easily tossed or flung
Etymology: The term "tossable" is a relatively modern addition to the English lexicon, emerging in the late 20th century. It is derived from the verb "toss," which itself has a rich history, dating back to the early 16th century. The verb “toss” is believed to have originated from the Middle English “tosse,” which meant to throw or to toss up. This in turn likely comes from the Old Norse word "tossa," meaning "to toss" or "to throw." The act of tossing evokes a sense of lightness and spontaneity, characteristics that have been carried over into the adjective form. The suffix “-able” is a common English ending that transforms verbs into adjectives, indicating capability or suitability. In this case, when combined with "toss," it implies something that can be tossed or thrown easily. This construction is typical in English, where the "-able" suffix lends a sense of practicality to the actions described by the base verb. For instance, “readable” refers to something that can be read, just as “tossable” refers to objects that are easy to toss. As a modern term, "tossable" often describes lightweight or easily throwable items, such as a frisbee or a ball, in various contexts, including sports, games, and casual activities. The word captures a sense of fun and leisure, suggesting that the item in question is not only practical but also associated with enjoyment and recreation. While it might not have the historical depth of more ancient words, "tossable" reflects contemporary language's ability to adapt and create new meanings from established roots.
Synonyms: throwable, hurlable
Antonyms: catchable