The slang phrase "gotten a load of" is spelled as such due to the pronunciation of the word "gotten" in American English. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˈɡɑtən/. This pronunciation is a result of the Northern English dialect, which was brought over to America by immigrants. It differs from the standard British English pronunciation of "got," which is /ɡɒt/. The phrase "gotten a load of" is commonly used to express surprise or shock when seeing something new or unexpected.
"Gotten a load of" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal English speech to indicate that someone has observed, noticed, or become aware of something or someone. The definition implies that the person has obtained or received information or had an encounter that has left a strong impression or a sense of understanding about a particular subject, situation, or individual.
This expression often conveys a tone of surprise, sometimes mixed with amusement, for the remarkable, remarkable, or unexpected nature of what has been seen, heard, or discovered. It emphasizes the idea of the person having acquired a significant or noteworthy amount of information or insight about the topic at hand, figuratively comparing it to a load of weighty or considerable content.
The phrase "gotten a load of" does not refer to a literal physical load but instead reflects the figurative meaning of acquiring perceived information or understanding. It can also act as an invitation for others to observe or experience the same thing that has already elicited a strong reaction from the speaker.
Overall, this expression captures the essence of being surprised, intrigued, or captivated by something new, exciting, or intriguing that someone has encountered, encapsulating the idea of obtaining a substantial amount of information or experience in a colloquial manner.