jouk

or jook

[ jook ]

noun

1. a sudden, elusive movement.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to dodge or duck.

jouk

/ dʒʊk /

verb

1. to duck or dodge

noun

1. a sudden evasive movement

Word History and Origins

Origin of jouk¹

First recorded in 1510–20; apparently variant of duck ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of jouk¹

C16: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Among the Scots, the word jouk led to the notion of joukery or jookery to describe underhanded dealing or trickery.

From Time

Editors at the Oxford English Dictionary traced this particular phrase back to the Scottish word jouk, which means to skillfully twist one’s body to avoid a blow—to manipulate oneself like an acrobat.

From Time

Jouk′ery, Jook′ery, trickery; Jouk′ery-pawk′ery, low cunning, trickery.

From Project Gutenberg

“Leastwise, he doesna strike me except when he’s mortal, and syne I can jouk him.”

From Project Gutenberg

The opinion of Robert Burns regarding the permanence of his 'poetical forebear's' fame will be cordially endorsed by every leal-hearted Scot, in whose memory the sturdy manliness of Patie and the winning beauty of Peggy are everlastingly enshrined— 'Yes! there is ane: a Scottish callan, There's ane; come forrit, honest Allan, Thou needna jouk behint the hallan, A chiel' sae clever: The teeth o' time may gnaw Tantallan, But thou's for ever!'

From Project Gutenberg