Drumming out is a phrase referring to the expulsion of somebody in disgrace from an organization, group or community. The word "drumming" is spelled with a silent "b", following the rule that "mb" is pronounced as "m" in English. The phonetic transcription for drumming out would be /ˈdrʌmɪŋ aʊt/. The stress falls on the first syllable of the word, and the "ou" diphthong is pronounced as /aʊ/ which sounds like "ow". Overall, drumming out is spelled phonetically according to the rules of English spelling.
"Drumming out" is a idiomatic expression that refers to the forceful expulsion or removal of an individual from a group, often accompanied by strong disapproval. The term draws its origin from military practices, where the sound of drums was historically used to signal the dismissal or disgrace of a soldier.
When someone is "drummed out," it implies their ousting or ejection in a manner that is conspicuous, public, and often humiliating. This action is usually enacted by an authoritative body or higher-ranking members of a group, who want to demonstrate their disapproval and enforce social or moral norms within their organization.
"Drumming out" can be associated with various scenarios, such as a collective denouncement of a member's behavior, expulsion from a professional association or public office, or even removal from a prestigious social circle. It often entails a public announcement or a formal demonstration of disapproval, intending to tarnish the person's reputation and discourage others from engaging in similar actions.
This expression highlights the strong reaction and negative consequence of being expelled from a group. It underscores a communal stance against a particular behavior or ideology and serves as a deterrent to future misconduct. Due to its metaphorical nature, the phrase is not limited to military contexts but is widely used across different fields and social spheres to describe the act of forcefully removing an individual from a group or community.
The term "drumming out" originated in the military, specifically during the 17th and 18th centuries. It derives from the practice of drumming or beating a drum as a form of public punishment or disgrace for soldiers who had committed serious offenses or were being expelled from their regiment.
When a soldier was to be expelled or dishonorably discharged, the commanding officers would assemble the entire regiment and order the offending soldier to march in front of his fellow soldiers while the drum was being played. This was done to draw attention to the soldier's shame and ensure that his disgraceful conduct was publicly known.
The term "drumming out" eventually extended beyond the military context into civilian society, where it became a metaphor for public humiliation or expulsion from an organization or community. Today, it is used to describe the act of forcing someone to leave a group or organization due to their misconduct or failure to meet standards.