The spelling of the word "bastard pimpernel" is unique and can be a bit tricky to decode at first glance. The word starts with the /b/ sound, followed by the /æ/ sound in "cat", and then the aspirated /t/ sound. The second part starts with the /p/ sound, followed by the /ɪ/ sound in "bit", the nasalized /m/ sound, and the single flap /ɾ/ sound. Finally, it ends with the /n/ sound and the schwa /ə/ sound. So, the IPA transcription of "bastard pimpernel" is /ˈbæstəd ˈpɪmpərnəl/.
The term "bastard pimpernel" has an interesting etymology. It is not a widely recognized or established term, so its origins may be difficult to determine conclusively. However, it seems to be a combination of two distinct words: "bastard" and "pimpernel".
1. Bastard: The word "bastard" originates from the Old French term "bastart", which itself comes from the Latin word "bastardus". It referred to a child born out of wedlock, someone of illegitimate birth. Over time, the term's meaning expanded to describe anything considered inferior, irregular, or spurious.
2. Pimpernel: The word "pimpernel" stems from the Middle English word "pimpernele", derived from the Old French word "pimprenelle", which came from the Medieval Latin word "piperinella".