shuffle
SHUF-uhl
/ˈʃʌf.əl/
To mix a deck of cards or other flat components together to randomize their order.
In gaming, this is a literal physical action required to ensure fairness and unpredictability.
The story behind the word. Originating in the 16th century from Low German 'schuffeln', which meant 'to push or shove' (a frequentative of 'schuven', to shove). It originally described walking with dragging feet before shifting to the sliding, shoving motion of mixing cards.
Word relationships
- mix: Mix is generic, while shuffle specifically implies randomizing flat items like cards or tiles.
- scramble: Scramble implies chaos and disorder, whereas shuffling is a systematic method of achieving randomness.
- sort: To sort means to arrange items in a specific, non-random order.
Commonly confused with
- draft: To shuffle is to randomize a deck; to draft is to selectively choose cards from a pool.
Word family
- shuffler (noun): A person or mechanical device that shuffles cards.
- shuffling (noun): The act of mixing cards.
Collocations
- shuffle the deck
- thorough shuffle
- riffle shuffle
Example sentences
- "Before dealing the starting hands, make sure to shuffle the event deck thoroughly to ensure a random distribution." Instructions for setting up a card-based board game.
Memory hook
Imagine sliding and shoving cards back and forth across a table. Shuffling is just 'shoving' them into a new order. Shove and slide to randomize.
When not to use
Avoid using in highly formal academic contexts unless specifically discussing probability or card play.
Fun facts
- Mathematically, it takes exactly seven riffle shuffles to thoroughly randomize a standard 52-card deck.
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