The phrase "go kaput" is a colloquial expression that means "to stop working or functioning suddenly." The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ɡoʊ ˈkæpət/. The first syllable "go" is pronounced with a long "o" sound /oʊ/, while the second syllable "kaput" is pronounced with a short "a" sound /æ/ and stress on the first syllable. The spelling of the word "kaput" is influenced by its German origin, where it means "broken" or "out of order."
The idiomatic phrase "go kaput" is used to describe the sudden malfunction, breakdown, or failure of a mechanical or electronic device. It refers to a situation in which a system, object, or piece of equipment ceases to function properly or stops working altogether.
With origins in German, "kaput" is derived from the word "kaputt," which means "broken" or "ruined." The term "go kaput" is often employed colloquially and metaphorically to depict a device or machine that is no longer operational or functional, rendering it useless or inoperative.
This phrase can be applied to various scenarios, such as a car engine that suddenly stops running, a kitchen appliance that ceases to operate upon switching it on, or even a computer that crashes and becomes unresponsive.
The use of "go kaput" conveys a sudden and unexpected element to the failure. It implies that the malfunctioning or breaking of the object is immediate and complete, rather than a gradual or partial decline in performance. The phrase carries a sense of finality, suggesting that the component or system has reached a point of irreparability or requires significant repairs to be functional again.
Overall, "go kaput" serves as an expressive and informal way to describe the failure or breakdown of a device or machine, emphasizing the abrupt and detrimental nature of the event.
The word "kaput" originated from German, specifically from the German term "kaputt". It entered the English language in the early 20th century. "Kaputt" itself comes from the French word "capot", meaning "broken" or "ruined". Over time, "kaputt" evolved to become a slang term used to describe something that is no longer functioning or in a state of disrepair. "Go kaput" is a colloquial expression that means something has stopped working or failed completely.