Cobbling

/ˈkɒblɪŋ/ noun, verb

Definition

The act of repairing shoes by fixing worn soles or heels, or to repair something in a clumsy or makeshift way.

Etymology

From the noun 'cobbler' (a shoe repairer), which comes from Middle English and possibly derives from 'cob' (a lump or rounded mass). The -ing suffix creates a gerund or present participle form.

Kelly Says

Cobblers were so common in medieval towns that their surname became universal—thousands of people named 'Cobb' or 'Cobbler' descended from this profession. Today 'cobbled together' means makeshift, showing how shoe repair's reputation for quick fixes stuck around in language!

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