The phrase "gave the third degree" means to interrogate someone intensely. The spelling of this phrase may seem strange, as it originated from police slang in the early 1900s. The term "third degree" refers to the harsh interrogation tactics used by police, which often extended to physical abuse. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /ɡeɪv ðə ˈθɜrd diːɡri/. Despite its violent history, the phrase remains in use today to describe intense questioning or investigation.
To "give the third degree" is an idiomatic expression originating from American English that refers to subjecting someone to a rigorous and demanding interrogation or intense questioning. It involves an aggressive and relentless line of questioning, typically used to extract information or elicit a confession in a forceful manner.
This phrase suggests that the interrogator uses an intense level of scrutiny, often resorting to repetitive and persistent questioning tactics, to fully investigate and delve deep into an individual's actions, beliefs, or motives. It implies a grilling or probing technique that leaves the person being questioned feeling pressured, intimidated, or uncomfortable.
The origins of this phrase trace back to the traditional three degrees of Freemasonry, where initiates progress through levels of knowledge and understanding. The third degree is considered the highest level, representing a deeper level of comprehension and insight. By analogy, when someone is said to be given the third degree, the intensity and thoroughness of the questioning mimic the level of scrutiny and depth associated with this advanced level of understanding.
In everyday usage, the phrase "gave the third degree" has come to denote an intense and extensive questioning session that can be seen as invasive or aggressive, aiming to expose hidden information or uncover the truth through relentless scrutiny.