How Do You Spell GOTTEN SQUARE?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒtən skwˈe͡ə] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "gotten square" is interesting because it includes two sounds that are not typically spelled together in English. The "ot" sound in "gotten" is pronounced like "ah-t" with the stress on the first syllable. The "sq" sound in "square" is made by combining the "s" and "k" sounds, creating a sort of hissing noise followed by a hard stop. This is represented in IPA as /ˈɡɑtən skwɛər/. Despite its unconventional spelling, "gotten square" is a common expression meaning to be punished or held accountable for one's actions.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

GOTTEN SQUARE Meaning and Definition

  1. "Gotten square" is a colloquial expression that refers to a situation where one has received or achieved retribution or justice for a previous wrongdoing, thereby finding resolution or closure. It is often used to describe a state of balance or fairness being restored after a period of injustice or imbalance.

    The term "gotten square" originates from the phrase "getting square" or "squaring the accounts," which dates back to the 18th century and has its roots in gambling. In this context, it pertained to settling a debt or repaying someone in order to establish a sense of fairness or equalization in a wager.

    In a broader sense, "gotten square" is frequently used to depict a situation where someone has overcome a previous hardship, obtained their deserved recompense, or come out even after experiencing a loss. It could be applied to personal, professional, or legal circumstances. For instance, if someone has been wrongly accused of a crime and then later proven innocent, they can be said to have "gotten square." Similarly, if a person who was mistreated by their employer subsequently receives a promotion or receives a settlement, they have "gotten square."

    Overall, "gotten square" signifies the restoration of fairness, equilibrium, or retribution in a given scenario, conveying the idea that a person has gotten what they rightfully deserved.

Common Misspellings for GOTTEN SQUARE

  • fotten square
  • votten square
  • botten square
  • hotten square
  • yotten square
  • totten square
  • gitten square
  • gktten square
  • gltten square
  • gptten square
  • g0tten square
  • g9tten square
  • gorten square
  • goften square
  • gogten square
  • goyten square
  • go6ten square

Etymology of GOTTEN SQUARE

The phrase "gotten square" is a variation of the idiomatic expression "to get square", which means to settle a debt or to seek revenge for a previous wrongdoing. The term "square" in this context is derived from the geometric shape, which represents fairness, honesty, or justice.

The word "get" in this expression comes from Middle English "geten", which means "to obtain" or "to acquire". The verb "get" has Old Norse origins and was influenced by the Old High German word "gezzan", meaning "to acquire".

When "get" is paired with "square", it implies the act of achieving a state of fairness or balance. Over time, the phrase has evolved to "gotten square", which can be attributed to the linguistic transformation known as "have got" construction.