Pronunciation: [ˈaʃkan] (IPA) 
The word "ashcan" is spelled with the letters a-s-h-c-a-n. Its phonetic transcription is /æʃ.kæn/. The sound "æ" represents the short "a" sound as in "cat". The combination of "sh" represents the "sh" sound, as in "shoe". The "c" has a hard sound as in "cat". The final "an" is pronounced short "a" followed by the nasal consonant "n". The word "ashcan" refers to a metal trash can that is used to hold ashes from a fireplace or wood stove.
Ashcan is a noun that refers to a large, cylindrical container typically made of metal or plastic, used for holding or disposing of ashes from a fireplace, cigarette butts, or other small debris. It is specifically designed to safely contain and store the remains of burnt materials, preventing them from causing a fire hazard or spreading ashes across an area. Ashcans are often equipped with a sturdy lid or cover to keep the contents secure and prevent any odors or debris from escaping.
In some contexts, "ashcan" can also be used as a verb, meaning to dispose of or discard something, particularly when referencing the act of throwing away items or materials that may be considered worthless or unwanted. This usage often implies a lack of value or significance placed upon the discarded object.
Additionally, "ashcan" can be used as an adjective to describe something as being reminiscent of the grim conditions or portrayals found in an urban slum or impoverished neighborhood. This use of the term is often associated with early 20th century American art movements, particularly the Ashcan School, which depicted everyday life in gritty urban landscapes.
Overall, "ashcan" refers to a container for ashes or small debris, the act of discarding something, or something that reflects the grimness or grittiness of urban life.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "ashcan" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It originated in the early 20th century, primarily in the United States, as a combination of the words "ash" and "can".
The word "ash" refers to the residue formed after something is burned, such as the remains of a fire or a cigarette. "Can" refers to a container or receptacle. Therefore, "ashcan" simply means a container or receptacle used for collecting and storing ash.
The word became particularly popular in the early 1900s when manufacturers started producing metal containers specifically designed for ash collection, often placed in households or other places where ash could accumulate. Eventually, "ashcan" also assumed a colloquial meaning: a place or situation thought to be undesirable or destined for failure, as if thrown away like ash.
