palming
PAHM-ing
/ˈpɑː.mɪŋ/
Concealing an object in the palm of the hand through manual dexterity.
A fundamental technique in sleight of hand where the hand must look completely natural and relaxed despite holding an object.
The story behind the word. From Latin palma (the flat of the hand). The verb 'to palm' emerged in the 17th century to describe concealing a card or coin in the palm of one's hand.
Word relationships
- concealing: Concealing is a general term for hiding something, while palming is the specific physical technique of hiding it in the hand.
- revealing: Revealing is showing the object openly, the opposite of palming.
Commonly confused with
- holding: Holding implies gripping an object visibly, whereas palming implies keeping the object hidden from view.
Word family
- palm (verb): To hide an object in the hand.
Collocations
- classic palming
- palming a card
- palming technique
Idioms & expressions
- palm off (to pass off something fake as genuine)
Example sentences
- "Palming is a fundamental skill where a coin is hidden flat against the palm of the hand." A tutorial on coin magic.
Memory hook
Hiding a palm tree leaf in the palm of your hand. Hidden in the hand.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simply holding something tightly; palming requires active concealment.
Fun facts
- There are dozens of different palming techniques in magic, including the 'classic palm', 'finger palm', and 'back palm'.
Related words
Explore more words
dexterity, stealth, effleurage, Mittens, artifice, subterfuge
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