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finagle

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finagle

Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "finagle" is:

  • /fɪˈneɪ.ɡəl/

Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:

  • fin (first syllable):

    • f - voiceless labiodental fricative (similar to the "f" in "fish")

    • ɪ - near-close near-back unrounded vowel (shorter "ee" sound like in "pin")

  • a (second syllable):

    • ə - central vowel (like the "a" in "about")

  • gle (third syllable):

    • eɪ - diphthong sound starting with "e" like in "take" and ending with "i" like in "machine"

    • ɡ - voiced velar plosive (similar to the "g" in "go")

    • l - voiced alveolar lateral approximant (like the "l" in "lake")

Word Form Variations

"Finagle" primarily functions as a verb, so its variations won't include plurals like a noun. Here are the word forms you'll encounter:

  • Base verb: finagle (to achieve something through trickery or manipulation)

  • Present participle: finagling (indicates the action is ongoing)

  • Past participle: finagled (indicates the action is completed)

  • Less common variant: fenagle (especially in British dialect)

There isn't a common noun form of "finagle" (e.g., one "finagle," two "finagles"). You'd use the verb form to describe the act itself (e.g., "He finagled his way into the party").

While uncommon, some sources mention a noun form "finagler" to describe someone who frequently finagles. This usage is less widespread.

Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms

Verb:

  • Definition 1: To obtain something desirable through indirect, manipulative, or even slightly dishonest means.

    • Synonyms: wangle, wheedle, connive, manipulate, manoeuvre (unethically)

    • Antonyms: earn, deserve, achieve honestly, play fair

  • Definition 2: To use cleverness or persuasion, possibly bordering on trickery, to achieve a desired outcome.

    • Synonyms: cajole, coax, sweet-talk, persuade cleverly

    • Antonyms: be straightforward, act honestly, simply ask

Noun (less common):

  • Definition: A person who habitually uses manipulative or slightly dishonest tactics to get what they want.

    • Synonyms: schemer, manipulator (informal), wheeler-dealer (informal)

    • Antonyms: straightforward person, honest player

Examples of Use

1. Literature:

  • In the classic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Huck often finagles his way out of trouble with his quick wit and dubious honesty (Twain, 1885).

2. News Media:

  • A headline from a satirical news site might read: "Politician Finagles Way Out of Answering Tough Question" (e.g., The Onion).

3. Online Publications:

  • A blog post titled "How to Finagle Free Concert Tickets" might offer tips on using persuasion and resourcefulness (source can vary depending on specific content).

4. Entertainment Mediums:

  • In a workplace comedy show, a character might finagle a promotion by taking credit for someone else's work.

5. Public Discourse:

  • "I finagled a discount on the car by mentioning my friend who works at the dealership" (casual conversation).

6. Social Media:

  • A tweet might say: "Just finagled an upgrade on my flight! #Winning" (Twitter).

10 Famous Quotes Using the term Finagle

Unfortunately, "finagle" isn't a common word in formal settings where famous quotes typically originate. While it appears in casual conversation and some creative works, finding ten established quotes specifically using "finagle" would be difficult.

However, here are some alternatives that capture the essence of "finagling":

  1. "The best way to get what you want in life is not to just ask for it specifically, but to hint at it repeatedly until it is given freely." - Catherine Pulsifer (This quote reflects the manipulative aspect of finagling).

  2. "Sometimes you just have to create the opportunities you deserve." - Unknown (This captures the resourceful spirit of finagling).

  3. "There are many ways to skin a cat." - Proverb (This implies using unconventional methods, similar to finagling).

  4. "A clever negotiator never reveals all his cards." - C.C. Colton (This highlights the strategic element of finagling).

  5. "Never underestimate the power of a well-timed compliment." - Unknown (This reflects the persuasive side of finagling).

  6. "The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper." - W.B. Yeats (This quote, while not directly about finagling, suggests using creativity and resourcefulness, which align with the concept).

  7. "It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." - Edmund Hillary (This quote emphasises overcoming obstacles, which can sometimes involve finagling).

  8. "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is." - Vince Lombardi (This reflects the determination often associated with finagling).

  9. "Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well." - Robert Louis Stevenson (This quote highlights making the most of a situation, which can involve finagling).

  10. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs (While not directly related to finagling, this quote emphasises passion and dedication, which can be driving forces behind achieving something through unconventional means).

Etymology

The word "finagle" is like a linguistic detective story! Here's the breakdown:

  • Origin: It most likely comes from an older British dialect word called "fainaigue."

  • Fainaigue's meaning: This word had two interesting meanings: 1) to shirk work or avoid responsibility and 2) to cheat at cards by playing the wrong suit.

  • Transformation: Sometime in the 1920s, "fainaigue" seems to have crossed the Atlantic and landed in America. There, it transformed slightly, possibly influenced by other words like "inveigle" (to persuade someone to do something), becoming "finagle."

  • First use: The earliest known use of "finagle" we can find is around 1924.

So, "finagle" started as a word for avoiding work or cheating at cards, and in America, it evolved to describe the act of getting something you want through cleverness, persuasion, or maybe even a little trickery.

Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Finagle

  • Finagle one's way into/out of something: This implies using cleverness or persuasion (possibly bordering on trickery) to gain access or escape a situation. (e.g., "He finagled his way into the exclusive party.")

  • Finagle something out of someone: This suggests getting something you desire from someone through manipulation or persuasion. (e.g., "She finagled a discount from the salesperson.")

  • Finagle a solution: This implies finding a creative or unconventional way to solve a problem. (e.g., "The engineer finagled a solution to fix the malfunctioning machine.")

  • You can't finagle everything: This acknowledges that there are limits to what you can achieve through manipulation.

  • A master finagler: This describes someone who is skilled at using underhanded tactics to get what they want.

In addition to these specific phrases, "finagle" can be used with other verbs and adverbs to create new expressions depending on the context. For instance:

    • Barely finagle: Succeed in getting something with minimal effort or resources.

    • Finagle something together: Improvise or cobble something up to make it work.

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Source Information

Definition of finagle from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.