paddeln

Etymology
Occasionally since circa 1800 from, frequentative of ,. Probably from a variant of, cognate with 🇨🇬, 🇨🇬, which are considered derivatives of ; compare also 🇨🇬. In this case, and  must be Low German borrowings.

In the late 19th century, the (Low) German word was merged with and spread in the standard language chiefly in this sense, but with certain remnants of the native meaning. English is from a  noun, probably influenced by the verb mentioned above. See the lemma.

Verb

 * 1) to paddle propel a canoe
 * 2) to make floundering or twitchy movements (especially in water); to paddle; to swim clumsily (like a dog); to keep oneself afloat by moving one's arms up and down