The word "chockful" is spelled with two 'C's, not one, despite the similar pronunciation to "chalk." It is pronounced /ˈtʃɒkfʊl/ - the 'ch' sound is made by combining the 't' and 'sh' sounds. The first part of the word, "chock," means to fill or block up completely, which is reflected in the word's usage as an adjective to mean extremely full or crowded. Despite the unusual spelling, "chockful" is a common term used in everyday language.
Chockful is an adjective that describes a state of being completely filled, brimming, or packed to capacity. It suggests an abundance or excessive amount of something, often used when referring to physical objects or a space that is filled to the point of being unable to accommodate anything else.
When something is chockful, it implies that it has reached its maximum limit, leaving no room for additional items, ideas, or activities. This term is commonly used to express fullness, overwhelm, or saturation, emphasizing the inability to accommodate or accept anything further.
For instance, you can describe a warehouse as chockful when it is filled with merchandise from floor to ceiling, leaving no space for additional inventory. Similarly, a bookshelf can be chockful if it is packed with books so tightly that not a single one can be inserted without removing others.
The term chockful can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where one's schedule is completely occupied, leaving no room for any additional tasks or obligations. Additionally, it can convey the emotional or mental state of being overwhelmed or inundated.
Overall, chockful denotes a state of absolute fullness, suggesting that no further addition or possibility of accommodation is feasible.
The word "chockful" originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the Middle English word "chokkeful", which means "filled to the point of choking". This is a compound word made up of "choke" and "ful". "Choke" comes from the Old English word "ceocian", meaning "to choke" or "suffocate". "Ful" is a suffix used to indicate fullness or abundance. Over time, "chokkeful" was transformed into "chockful", and its meaning evolved to refer to something being completely filled or packed to capacity.