The spelling of the phrase "choked back" seems straightforward, but it can be confusing for non-native speakers. The word "choked" is pronounced /tʃəʊkt/ in British English and /tʃoʊkt/ in American English, indicating a difference in vowel sounds. The word "back" is pronounced /bæk/, with a short "a" sound. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /tʃəʊkt bæk/ or /tʃoʊkt bæk/. It refers to holding back or restraining one's emotions, especially when feeling overwhelmed or upset.
The term "choked back" refers to the act of forcibly restraining emotions, typically in situations where expressing such feelings is considered undesirable, inappropriate, or challenging. It entails the suppression or control of one's natural reactions, often manifested by inhibiting tears, sobs, or any intense emotional outburst.
When individuals experience profound sadness, anguish, grief, or even joy, they may find themselves trying to choke back their emotions. This process involves holding back tears, swallowing sounds of distress, or refraining from expressing their emotions openly. The act of choking back emotions is often a result of societal norms, personal beliefs, or the fear of judgment or vulnerability.
The phrase "choked back" implies a struggle—an internal wrestling match between the natural response to a situation and the conscious decision to suppress those emotions. It conveys the tension and effort required to hold back one's feelings, often resulting in visible signs of emotional strain or tension on an individual's face or body.
In addition, "choked back" can be used metaphorically to describe the withholding of words or thoughts. It encompasses the act of preventing oneself from speaking out or expressing conflicting ideas or opinions, typically in situations where open communication may be feared, risky, or deemed inappropriate.
Overall, "choked back" encapsulates the psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical effort required to suppress or control one's feelings or verbal expressions in various contexts.
The phrase "choked back" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two separate words: "choked" and "back".
The word "choked" comes from the Middle English word "choken", which means "to strangle" or "to suffocate". It is derived from the Old English word "aceocian".
The word "back" has its roots in Old English "bæc" and is related to the Proto-Germanic word "bakam". It has a wide range of meanings, including "rear", "spine", or "the reverse side of something".
When these two words are combined, "choked back" refers to the act of forcefully holding back or repressing one's emotions or tears—essentially inhaling or restraining the feeling.