The term "black out" refers to a temporary loss of consciousness or memory. The spelling of this term is represented by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /blæk aʊt/. The word begins with the consonant blend /bl/, followed by the short vowel sound /æ/ and the consonant sound /k/. The second part of the word contains the diphthong /aʊ/ and ends with the consonant sound /t/. To avoid confusion between blackout and the verb "blacken" with the same pronunciation but different meaning, it is important to use this correct spelling.
Black out refers to the sudden and temporary loss of consciousness or memory, resulting in a complete absence of visual perception or awareness. This phenomenon can occur due to a variety of factors, such as a decrease in blood flow to the brain, a drop in blood pressure, extreme emotional stress, or the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs. During a blackout, an individual typically experiences a period of time for which they have no recollection or memory, creating a gap in their awareness.
In the medical context, a black out is often associated with transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC), during which individuals may collapse or fall without warning. These episodes are typically brief and can range from a few seconds to several minutes. Although the individual may appear to be awake, their brain is unable to register and retain any conscious awareness of their surroundings or actions. Blackouts can be concerning and may require medical attention, especially if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms.
The term "black out" is also used in a broader sense to refer to the deliberate censoring or withholding of information. In this context, blacking out can occur in the media, where certain parts of a news report or sensitive information are intentionally omitted or redacted. Additionally, blackouts can pertain to the loss of electricity supply to an area, resulting in a complete absence of light or power. Such occurrences may be due to technical faults, severe weather conditions, or planned energy rationing.
The term "black out" has its origins in the early 20th century and originates from the sporting world, specifically in boxing. In the context of boxing, a "black out" was used to describe a knockout blow that rendered an opponent unconscious, with the imagery of the person seeing nothing but darkness ("black") due to the loss of consciousness.
Over time, the term expanded beyond boxing and came to be used in various contexts to describe the temporary loss of awareness, memory, or consciousness due to different factors, such as excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, trauma, stress, or medical conditions. The term "black out" has become widely adopted and understood as a metaphorical representation of the temporary loss of consciousness or memory.