The spelling of the phrase "coming on" is straightforward. The first word, "coming," is pronounced as /ˈkʌmɪŋ/, with stress on the first syllable. The second word, "on," is pronounced as /ɒn/, with a short "o" sound. Together, they form an idiom meaning to approach or advance. While this phrase is written with a space between the two words, it should not be confused with the word "coming-on," which is spelled with a hyphen and means to flirt or make sexual advances.
Coming on is a phrasal verb that typically means to approach or make progress. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe someone's behavior or demeanor towards someone else. When someone is described as "coming on" to someone, it means they are showing interest, attraction, or affection towards that person. This term is commonly used in the context of romantic or sexual advances.
The phrase can also refer to someone's general approach or attitude towards a situation or task. For example, if someone is described as "coming on strong," it means they are assertive, energetic, or intense in their approach. Conversely, if someone is said to be "coming on weak," it suggests that their actions or efforts are inadequate or lack enthusiasm.
In more specific contexts, "coming on" can also refer to the onset or beginning of a particular condition or event. For instance, if someone says that winter is "coming on," they mean that the colder weather and shorter days are approaching.
Overall, "coming on" implies a sense of progressing, approaching, or initiating. It can describe someone's advances in a social or romantic context, as well as their approach or attitude towards a task or situation.
The phrase "coming on" can have two different origins and contexts, depending on its usage:
1. If you are referring to the phrase "coming on" in the sense of someone making advances or showing interest in another person romantically or sexually, the etymology is not specific to this phrase itself but rather to the individual words involved.
- "Coming" comes from the Old English word "cuman", meaning "to move towards, approach".
- "On" comes from the Old English word "on", which means "in, into".
Therefore, the phrase "coming on" in a romantic or sexual context essentially means to move towards or approach someone with romantic or sexual intent.
2. If you are referring to the phrase "coming on" as a general term used to describe someone displaying enthusiasm, confidence, or assertiveness, the etymology is not directly related to this phrase either.