thumb (n.)
"shortest and thickest digit of the human hand, next the index finger and opposable to the others," Middle English thoume, from Old English þuma, from Proto-Germanic *thūman- (source also of Old Frisian thuma, Old Saxon, Old High German thumo, German Daumen, Dutch duim "thumb," Old Norse þumall "thumb of a glove"), etymologically "the stout or thick (finger)," from PIE *tum- "swell," from root *teue- "to swell" (source of tumor, tuber).
In some of the IE languages there is a single word for "thumb," which is called the "big finger," like NE big toe. Many of the single words are of similar semantic origin, based on the notion of "stout, thick." [Buck]
Compare Greek megas daktylos "thumb," literally "great finger," but Greek also had antikheir, literally "what is opposite the fingers." Italian pollice, French pouce are from Latin pollex, which was perhaps formed (on analogy of index) from pollere "be strong."
The unetymological spelling with -b (attested from late 12c.) is perhaps by influence of dumb; also compare limb (n.1). Thumb-ring is attested from 1590s. In Middle English also sometimes of the big toe (also thumble-toe, mid-15c.). Figuratively, to have a thumb of a certain color or kind as indicating a natural skill at something (as in gold thumb for one who grows rich) is from late 14c.
The phrase rule of thumb "rough guideline" is attested by 1680s, rule in the sense of a measuring tool (see rule (n.) To use the thumb as a rough measure of an inch is attested from c. 1500. The figure of being under (someone's) thumb "controlled by that person's power or influence" is from late 14c.
Thumbs up (1887) and thumbs down (1906) were said to be from expressions of approval or the opposite in ancient amphitheaters, especially gladiator shows, where the gesture decided whether a defeated combatant was spared or slain. But the Roman gesture was merely one of hiding the thumb in the hand or extending it. Perhaps the modern gesture is from the usual coachmen's way of greeting while the hands are occupied with the reins.
thumb (v.)
"to go through" (especially of printed material), 1930, from thumb (n.); the related sense of "soil or wear by much handling" dates from 1640s. Earlier as a verb it meant "to play (a musical instrument) with the thumb" (1590s).
The meaning "to hitchhike" is 1939; originally the thumb pointed in the direction one wished to travel. Related: Thumbed; thumbing. To thumb (one's) nose as an expression of derision is recorded from 1903.
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updated on June 29, 2024
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Dictionary entries near thumb
thug
thuggery
thuggish
Thule
thulium
thumb
thumbnail
thumb-print
thumbscrew
thumbtack
thump
