"Gotten nose out of joint" is a phrase commonly used to describe someone who is irritated or annoyed with someone else. The spelling of "gotten" in this phrase is actually the past participle form of "get" and is commonly used in American English. In IPA phonetic transcription, "gotten" is pronounced as /ˈɡɑtən/. "Nose out of joint" refers to someone who is upset or offended and can be pronounced as /noʊz aʊt əv dʒɔɪnt/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /ˈɡɑtən noʊz aʊt əv dʒɔɪnt/.
The idiomatic expression "gotten nose out of joint" refers to a state of being offended, upset, or annoyed as a result of feeling slighted or overlooked by someone or something. It typically implies an individual's reaction to a situation where they perceive themselves to have been unfairly treated, ignored, or not given the recognition they believe they deserve. The phrase carries a connotation of injured pride or wounded ego, as it suggests that the individual's sense of self-importance or self-worth has been compromised.
The metaphorical reference to the nose being out of joint originates from the image of a physical injury, specifically a dislocated or misaligned nose. This comparison paints a vivid picture of the emotional distress experienced by the person who feels aggrieved, with their "nose" symbolizing their pride or ego which has been temporarily "displaced" from its normal position. Consequently, this expression highlights the individual's resentment or irritation resulting from their perception of being overlooked or lacking recognition.
"Gotten nose out of joint" is commonly used in informal conversations or contexts to describe the emotional reaction of an individual who believes they have been unfairly treated, whether it be in personal relationships, professional settings, or within a broader societal context. It signifies a temporary state of imbalance or emotional turbulence caused by feeling disregarded or undervalued, usually prompting the individual to express their dissatisfaction or seek redress.