Pronunciation: [kˈɜːtənd ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The word "curtained off" is spelled with a hard "t" sound at the end of "curtained," followed by the "off" sound with a soft "f." The IPA transcription for "curtained" is /ˈkɜr.tənd/, with emphasis on the "kur" syllable and "ted" pronounced as "tuhd." The transcription for "off" is /ɒf/ with emphasis on the "ah" sound. This phrase is commonly used to describe an area that has been enclosed or hidden by a curtain.
"Curtained off" refers to an area or space that is separated or divided from its surroundings by the use of curtains. The term can be applied to various contexts, but it generally implies the presence of curtains acting as a partition, divider, or screen to create a distinct area or to provide privacy.
In a physical setting, such as a room or a stage, "curtained off" can describe the act of enclosing or hiding an area using curtains. For example, a large room in a hotel may be curtained off to create smaller, more intimate spaces for conferences or meetings. Similarly, during a theater performance, certain parts of the stage may be curtained off to conceal or reveal actors or props at appropriate moments.
The phrase can also be used metaphorically to denote the separation or isolation of a particular topic, information, or event from public knowledge or discussion. In this sense, it implies the deliberate exclusion of certain details or aspects from broader awareness. For instance, a government may be accused of curtaining off certain documents or investigations to maintain secrecy or control over sensitive matters.
Overall, "curtained off" denotes the act of dividing, hiding, or isolating an area or information using curtains to create boundaries, privacy, or secrecy.
The word "curtained off" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two words: "curtain" and "off". However, we can explore the origin of each component separately.
The term "curtain" comes from the Old French word "cortine", which means a small tapestry or hanging cloth used to cover or separate spaces. This word can be traced back to the Late Latin word "cortina", also meaning a curtain or hanging. From there, it is believed to have derived from the Latin word "cortex" meaning "bark" or "rind", referring to the original use of hanging animal skins or fabric as a barrier.
The word "off" is derived from Old English and can be traced back to the Germanic languages, related to words in German and Dutch. It has a basic meaning of separation or exclusion.
