shuffle
B2Neutral (used across formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To move (things or people) around into a different order or position, especially in a random, untidy, or aimless way; to walk without lifting one's feet completely from the ground.
In computing, to randomize the order of items (e.g., a playlist). In business/politics, to reassign roles or positions within an organization. In dance, a specific style of footwork.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries connotations of uncertainty, lack of energy/direction (walking), randomness (mixing), or organizational change (reshuffle).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Shuffle off' (to leave or get rid of) is slightly more literary/dated in both. The dance style 'shuffle' or 'Melbourne Shuffle' is internationally recognized.
Connotations
Equally common and similar in connotation.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VN] (shuffle sth)[V] (shuffle along/around/past etc.)[V-ADJ] (shuffle tired)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shuffle off this mortal coil (literary: to die)”
- “lost in the shuffle (overlooked amid confusion)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a reorganization of personnel: 'The new CEO initiated a management shuffle.'
Academic
Describes random sampling or order randomization in statistics/methodology: 'The data points were shuffled to prevent order bias.'
Everyday
Mixing cards, walking lazily, or changing the order of music: 'He shuffled the playlist for the party.'
Technical
In computing, an algorithm for randomizing sequences (e.g., Fisher-Yates shuffle).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you shuffle the pack, please?
- He shuffled through the autumn leaves.
- The ministers were shuffled in the reshuffle.
American English
- Shuffle the cards before you deal.
- She shuffled her feet on the carpet.
- They decided to shuffle the team lineup.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old man shuffled slowly down the street.
- We shuffle the cards to play the game.
- She shuffled the documents on her desk, looking for the contract.
- The children shuffled into the classroom.
- After the election, the Prime Minister shuffled her cabinet.
- The app allows you to shuffle your music library.
- The algorithm employs a sophisticated algorithm to shuffle the questions, ensuring test integrity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person with SHU (舒 - comfortable) Slippers, FFLE (fumble) with their feet, barely lifting them — they SHUFFLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A DECK OF CARDS (we shuffle through experiences, deal with what we're given).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'шарф' (scarf). Для 'shuffle cards' использовать 'тасовать'. Для походки - 'шаркать'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'shuffle' (slow, dragging walk) with 'scuffle' (brief fight). Incorrect: 'The players got into a shuffle.' Correct: '...a scuffle.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'shuffle' imply a lack of enthusiasm or energy?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's used for any random reordering (music, people, data) and for a specific type of dragging walk.
'Shuffle' often implies a more random, less controlled mixing, especially for items in a sequence. 'Mix' is more general.
Yes. Common nouns: 'a shuffle of papers', 'a cabinet shuffle', 'the shuffle of feet'.
Not exactly. 'Reshuffle' specifically means to shuffle again or reorganize (e.g., a team, cabinet). It's more common in organizational contexts.