The spelling of the word "devils tongue" may seem straightforward, but it can be tricky to decipher its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈdɛv əlz tʌŋ/. The "e" in "devils" is pronounced as a short "e," followed by a schwa, and the "s" in "tongue" is silent. The "o" in "tongue" has a long "u" sound, and the "ng" is pronounced as in "sing." So, next time you see the phrase "devils tongue," you'll know exactly how to pronounce it.
Devil's tongue refers to a term with multiple senses and applications in different contexts. In the field of botany, Devil's tongue is a common name for a variety of plant species within the genus Amorphophallus, primarily Amorphophallus konjac. These plants are native to Asia and are known for their large, leafy structures and distinctively shaped flowers. Devil's tongue plants are often cultivated for their starchy corms, which can be used for culinary purposes or for their potential medicinal properties.
Another usage of the term Devil's tongue is within the zoological realm, specifically in reference to a particular species of slug, Vellela maculata. This slug is mainly found in North America and is characterized by its elongated, tubular shape and yellow or orange coloration. The name Devil's tongue may arise from the slug's ability to extend and retract its proboscis, which resembles a tongue-like structure.
In a metaphorical or colloquial sense, the term Devil's tongue can also be employed to describe a person with a sharp or vitriolic speech, often characterized by offensive or hurtful remarks. In this context, Devil's tongue alludes to someone who is seemingly adept at using their language to inflict harm or upset others, as if they possess the linguistic power of a devilish entity.
The term "devil's tongue" generally refers to a type of starchy tuberous root called Konjac, which is native to Southeast Asia. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Devil: The word "devil" comes from the Old English word "deofol", which in turn has roots in various Germanic languages. It originally meant "evil spirit" or "accuser", and is derived from the Greek word "diabolos" (meaning "slanderer" or "accuser") which is also the source of the word "diabolical".
2. Tongue: The word "tongue" comes from the Old English word "tunge", which is related to Old High German "zunga" and Old Norse "tunga".