The spelling of "based hearsay" is straightforward once you understand the phonetic symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). To start, "based" is pronounced as "beɪst" with the "a" being pronounced as "aye" and "ed" is pronounced as "st". On the other hand, "hearsay" is pronounced as "hɪrseɪ" with the first syllable being pronounced as "hir" and the second syllable as "say". Therefore, putting the two words together, "based hearsay" is pronounced as "beɪst hɪrseɪ".
"Based hearsay" refers to information or evidence that is obtained indirectly, typically through the accounts or statements of others. It is a term used in legal contexts to describe information that is not firsthand or personally witnessed by the individual presenting it. Instead, it relies on the accounts of individuals who have knowledge of the event or situation in question.
This term suggests that the information provided is dependent on the credibility and reliability of the individuals from whom it originates. It acknowledges that there may be an inherent level of uncertainty or potential for distortion in the information due to the intermediate source or sources.
While hearsay evidence is generally considered inadmissible in court proceedings due to its potential lack of reliability, depending on the jurisdiction, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the hearsay evidence falls within a recognized exception, such as statements made spontaneously during an event or statements made against the speaker's own interests, it may be deemed as admissible.
In a broader sense, "based hearsay" can also be used to refer to information or claims made by individuals in general conversations or discussions. It implies that the information being shared is not firsthand, and therefore, should be treated with caution or skepticism until further substantiated or verified.
The phrase "based hearsay" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two separate words, each with its own origins.
1. Based: The term "based" is derived from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and gained widespread usage in internet slang. It originally originated from the word "basehead" which referred to a person addicted to crack cocaine. Over time, it evolved to mean someone who is authentic, true to themselves, or someone who speaks their mind without caring about what others think. "Based" has become a compliment and is often used to describe someone or something that goes against mainstream opinions.
2. Hearsay: The word "hearsay" originates from Middle English and has its roots in Old French. It combines "hear" and "say" to refer to information, typically a statement or rumor, that is heard from someone else rather than directly experienced.