Shuffle

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David Myer
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Shuffle

Postby David Myer » Mon Mar 03, 2014 9:25 pm

I wonder if the two meanings are somehow connected etymologically. Shuffling cards so as to arrange them randomly is quite a long way from a shuffling gait. Is there an onomatopoeic connection?

David

Perry Lassiter
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Re: Shuffle

Postby Perry Lassiter » Tue Mar 04, 2014 5:41 pm

Online Etymology Dictionary has several uses of the word, all going back to the 16th or 17th century. It identifies a couple possible derivations, but doesn't connect them. You raised an interesting question. Don't forget that an administrator might shuffle several people, moving them into different positions. You can also shuffle objects on a desk, perhaps to hide one of them from view. Might be a very good word for the doctor do a work up on.
pl


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