I too have always been intrigued by this meaning. I don't remember the conclusion of our discussion.
But :
- Yes, it only means "to juggle" in st. French (including in the figurative, like in Nick's example).

- It is listed in all Acadian dictionaries (Canada). Poirier, Cormier...
http://books.google.fr/books?id=ryjD8fRwwbcC&pg=PA167&dq=jongler&hl=fr&sa=X&ei=DKv6UrmcJKHB7Ab66oHADw&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=jongler&f=false
So, it might have a regional origin (Poitou or Normandy).

- This sense is also mentioned as a canadianism in French dictionaries:
http://atilf.atilf.fr/

- Some Canadian dictionaries indicate that it comes from the Old French "jangler". But all the old dictionaries I have consulted (including reference historical and etymological dictionaries) never contain "jangler = jongler = penser/réfléchir".
The origin of this meaning remains a mystery for me.

ahh, food for some more thinkwork ...



Nout

JB,

I have a couple thoughts about "Jongler" .. but be it known
that I am absolutely completely no authority whatsoever on
the Cajun vernacular!

I've often thought of "Jongler" as being similar to juggling
in the respect of one juggling a thought in one's head.

Sort of as we say "Toss it around". To consider or think about something; "Some of us have been tossing around suggestions for improving the show."

Or, as David Byrne of the talking heads says: "It makes sense .. but not if
you try to figure it out!"

--Big Nick

My French teacher in college, a native French speaker, told me that jongler is the verb "to juggle." It's use, at one time, was when your "thinking" implied a decision, or preference. Literally, "juggling your thoughts."

Penser was used to assert your thoughts. She also said that jongler is rarely used, now except among rural folk.

In colloquial/argot/slang French

a "jongler" is an attorney, a lawyer.

Check the previous posts and substitute "jongleurs" for jonglers...

In colloquial/argot/slang French.. a "jongler" is an attorney, a lawyer.