Pronunciation: [ɡˈaŋd ɐɹˈa͡ʊnd] (IPA) 
The phrase "ganged around" is a common idiom that means a group of people gathering together. The "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound /ɡ/ and is followed by the short "a" sound /æ/. The next consonant sound is the nasal "ng" sound /ŋ/, which is followed by the "d" sound /d/ and the long "a" sound /eɪ/. Finally, the "d" sound is pronounced again /d/. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase would be /ɡæŋd əˈraʊnd/.
Ganged around is a phrase that refers to a group of people coming together or congregating in a close and closely-knit manner around a particular point or individual. This phrase signifies a gathering or assembly of people forming a circle or group, often with the intention of focusing their attention or energy on a specific activity or person.
When individuals gang around, they typically huddle closely together, physically or metaphorically encircling a central subject or figure. This phrase can denote a sense of unity, support, or shared purpose, as the act of gathering around signifies a collective intention or interest.
The phrase is commonly used to describe situations where people form a circle or surround someone or something of importance. It can be applied to various contexts, such as a group of friends ganging around a campfire, colleagues ganging around a whiteboard for a brainstorming session, or a crowd ganging around a celebrity. In each case, the phrase conveys the idea of a close-knit gathering where individuals are drawn together for a common purpose, whether it be socializing, collaborating, or simply observing.
Overall, ganged around represents the act of people forming a concentrated group or cluster, both physically and symbolically, around a focal point or individual. The phrase emphasizes the unity and collective energy of the assembled group, highlighting their shared commitment or interest in the subject at hand.
The phrase "ganged around" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two words that have their own origins.
1. "Gang": It comes from the Old English word "gang" or "gongan", which meant "to go" or "to proceed". Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a group of people sharing a common interest or purpose.
2. "Around": It derives from the Old English word "on rūne", which meant "in a circle" or "surrounding". It has roots in Germanic languages.
When these two words are put together, "ganged around" implies a group of people coming together or gathering, often in a circle or surrounding a particular object or activity.
