Pronunciation: [ˈiːt wˈɜːdz] (IPA) 
"eat words" is spelled /it wɜrdz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "eat" is pronounced with the long vowel sound /i/ and the dental fricative /ð/. The plural of "word" is spelled with /z/ to create the z-sound. Together, "eat words" means to retract something that has been said or admit to being wrong. Despite the irregularity in the spelling, the phrase is commonly used in English, especially in informal conversations.
To "eat one's words" is an idiomatic expression meaning to retract or take back something that one has said before, typically due to being proven wrong or inaccurate. This phrase suggests that the individual metaphorically consumes or eats the words they previously uttered, symbolizing the reputation damage or subsequent embarrassment they may experience.
When someone is forced to eat their words, it often occurs when their initial statement or assertion is disproven by subsequent events, evidence, or facts. This can happen in various contexts, such as a debate, discussion, or even in everyday life situations. In doing so, the person is compelled to admit their error or accept their mistaken judgment, thus retracting their claim or statement.
"Eating one's words" implies a sense of humility and recognition that one's initial statement was incorrect or ill-advised. It signifies a willingness to acknowledge and learn from one's mistakes, often as a result of being confronted with undeniable evidence of their erroneous position. This expression is commonly used in figurative terms and can be employed in a variety of scenarios, including professional or personal interactions.
Overall, "eating one's words" encapsulates the act of retracting or recanting a previous statement or belief due to being proven wrong or lacking accuracy. It signifies a conscious decision to acknowledge one's mistake and typically highlights the humility and growth of an individual who is willing to learn from their errors.
The phrase "eat words" originates from the late 16th century, combining two separate word origins.
1. Eat: This verb comes from Old English etan, which is akin to Old Norse eta and German essen. It simply means to consume food through the mouth, nourishing the body by chewing and swallowing.
2. Words: This noun has a Latin origin, stemming from the Latin word verbum. It refers to a unit of language that has meaning and can be spoken, written, or expressed.
When these two words are combined, "eat words" essentially means to retract or take back something one has said, metaphorically consuming and discarding the spoken words.
