nudge

Meanings

Noun

• A gentle push.
• A feature of instant messaging software used to get the attention of another user, as by shaking the conversation window or playing a sound.
• The rotation by one step of a fruit machine reel of the player's choice.
• The use of positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions as ways to influence.

Verb

• To push against gently, especially in order to gain attention or give a signal.
• To near or come close to something.
• To move slightly.

Origin

• Circa 17th century, perhaps of North Germanic origin, related to Norwegian nugge, nyggje, Icelandic nugga, from the root of Proto-Germanic *hnōjaną, from Proto-Indo-European *kneh₂- (compare Ancient Greek κνάω, source of English acnestis).
• Compare also Scots nodge, knidge, gnidge, and knudge, Middle Low German nucke, nücke, gnücke.