Definition

A process of rough dressing or shaping a surface by removing bumps or projections.

Example

The craftsman used skiffling to prepare the wood for a smoother finish.

Conversation

Have you heard about the process of skiffling when working with wood?

Yeah, it's about smoothing out the surface, right?

Exactly! I think it really helps with the finishing touches.

For sure, it makes everything look so much nicer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'skiffling' originates from the dialectal term 'skiffle', which is derived from the word 'skiff' (meaning a small boat) and the suffix '-le' (indicating a diminutive form). The term 'skiffle' originally referred to a style of music that is often played informally, similar to how one might use a small boat for casual travel. Therefore, 'skiffling' refers to the act of playing or performing in a casual, informal manner, often associated with a lively, improvised style.

Memory Tip

Imagine a small boat ('skiff') used for casual outings, which helps you remember that 'skiffling' is about informal, lively music or performance.

Visually Confused Words