Chuck
/tʃʌk/noun
To throw or toss casually; also, a colloquial word for the chin or a term of address in some contexts.
Did you know?In English, the verb “chuck” likely began as an imitative word for a short, abrupt sound, which is why words for throwing often grow out of noises, gestures, and physical force rather than formal Latin roots.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gel- / *klak-
“Onomatopoeic sound-imitating roots associated with clicking, clacking, or clucking noises”
Old English
English
ceacian
“To make a sharp sound; to cluck or chatter”
Middle English
English
chukken / chucken
“To make a short sound; later, to toss or fling lightly”
16th Century
English
chuck
“To throw or toss with a quick motion”
Modern English
English
chuck
“To throw casually, discard, or sometimes to pat affectionately”