How Do You Spell BUTTONHOLED?
Pronunciation: [bˈʌtənhˌə͡ʊld] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [bˈʌtənhˌə͡ʊld] (IPA)
The term "buttonholed" refers to the act of engaging someone in a conversation, often by approaching them and trapping them in a situation where they cannot easily escape. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of forcefully soliciting someone's attention or opinion.
When a person is "buttonholed," they are typically accosted in a persistent and sometimes aggressive manner, in an attempt to engage them in a conversation or discussion. This can occur in various contexts, such as in a social gathering, workplace, or even in public spaces. The individual doing the buttonholing may use physical proximity, direct questions, or intense persuasion to prevent the person from leaving or avoiding the conversation.
To buttonhole someone is often seen as intrusive or impolite, as it disregards the other person's desires and personal boundaries. It can also be seen as a strategy to impose one's own ideas or beliefs onto others, without allowing for a fair exchange of perspectives. Consequently, buttonholing can be viewed as a manipulative tactic, especially when used to coerce or pressure someone into agreeing or accepting a particular viewpoint.
In a broader sense, the term "buttonholed" can be used figuratively to describe situations where someone is relentlessly pursued or relentlessly requested for their attention, time, or opinions. This can occur in various settings, such as politics, social activism, or public debates, where individuals may be repeatedly approached and contested for their viewpoints.
The word "buttonholed" originated from the term "buttonhole", which has its roots in the late 16th century. The term combines the words "button" and "hole". "Button" comes from the Old French word "bouton", meaning bud or protuberance, and ultimately from the Latin word "bottō". "Hole" comes from the Old English word "hol", related to the Gothic word "hulundi". Together, "buttonhole" refers to a slit or opening made in fabric, through which a button can be passed to fasten a garment or item. The verb "buttonhole" emerged in the early 18th century, signifying the act of engaging someone in conversation in a persistent or intrusive way, likening it to "capturing" them as a button is captured by a buttonhole.
