The phrase "deaf as a post" is a commonly used idiom that describes someone who does not hear well. The word "deaf" is spelled with four letters; /dɛf/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "d" being voiced and the "f" being voiceless. The phrase "as a post" is spelled with three letters; /əz ə pəʊst/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "s" being voiced in "as" and the "t" being voiceless in "post". Overall, the phrase has a strong emphasis on the "f" and "st" sounds, creating a distinct and memorable phrase.
"Deaf as a post" is a colloquial phrase used to describe someone who is completely or exceptionally hard of hearing, often to the point of being oblivious to sounds or conversations. The term "deaf" implies an inability to hear or perceive sounds, while the comparison to a "post" refers to the inanimate object that lacks the senses of hearing and response.
This idiomatic expression emphasizes the extreme or exaggerated degree of someone's hearing impairment. It suggests that the person's hearing loss is severe to the extent that it is comparable to an inert post that cannot hear any sound waves or communication. It conveys the idea that the individual is metaphorically deaf, impervious to auditory stimuli, and unresponsive to attempts to communicate.
The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the mid-19th century, wherein the term "deaf as a beetle" was initially used, and later evolved into "deaf as a post." It is worth mentioning that while the phrase carries a humorous connotation, it is typically not meant to be offensive but rather to illustrate the severity of someone's hearing impairment.
In summary, "deaf as a post" is a figure of speech used to describe someone with a profound hearing loss, implying that they are completely unable to hear or respond to sounds, akin to an inanimate post.