The phrase "flocked together" is spelled as [flɒkt təˈɡɛðə] in IPA phonetic transcription. The "fl" at the beginning is pronounced with a "f" sound, followed by the "o" sound as in "dog". The "ck" represents a hard "k" sound and the "ed" at the end is pronounced as "t". The "t" in "together" is pronounced with a "t" sound, followed by the "h" sound as in "hot". Finally, the "er" is pronounced as "ər". Together, these sounds create the word "flocked together".
"Flocked together" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of individuals or entities coming together or congregating in a group or gathering. The phrase draws its references from the natural behavior of birds, particularly to the phenomenon where birds of the same species gather in large numbers.
When used metaphorically, "flocked together" indicates that individuals or entities, typically sharing similar qualities, preferences, or interests, are drawn together and form a unified collective. It implies that a group of people or objects have assembled in a particular place, typically for a common purpose or shared interest. The phrase often conveys the idea of affinity, camaraderie, or shared objectives.
This expression is often used in various contexts, both literal and figurative. In a literal sense, it can describe the behavior of animals, such as birds or sheep, who naturally flock together for protection, migration, or feeding. In a figurative sense, it can describe the gathering of like-minded individuals, such as friends, colleagues, or people with similar hobbies or interests, who come together to share experiences, ideas, or pursue common goals.
Overall, "flocked together" signifies the act of individuals or entities forming a united gathering, suggesting a sense of togetherness, cohesion, and shared purpose.
The phrase "flocked together" does not have a specific etymology on its own, as it is a combination of two separate words - "flocked" and "together". However, we can look into the etymology of each word.
1. Flocked: The word "flocked" comes from the noun "flock", which originally referred to a group or company of people or animals. It derives from the Old English word "floc", which means "a group of animals or people". The term evolved later to refer specifically to a group of birds. The verb form "flocked" emerged in the 16th century, meaning "to congregate or come together in a group".
2. Together: The word "together" has its roots in the Old English word "togædere", which means "in a group, in one place".