The spelling of "gotten shot" can be confusing, as it seems to break typical English grammar rules. However, it follows the pattern of the past participle form of "get" in American English. In IPA, "gotten" is transcribed as /ˈɡɑtn/ while "shot" is transcribed as /ʃɑt/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /ˈɡɑtn ʃɑt/. This phrase means that someone has been shot, using the past participle form of "get" to indicate that the action has already happened.
"Gotten shot" is a colloquial phrase that implies the act of being hit or injured by a bullet or projectile. The term is typically utilized in informal conversations or storytelling as a way to express someone being targeted and struck by a firearm.
In its literal sense, "gotten shot" refers to an individual experiencing the physical effects of a gunshot wound, which may involve being pierced or penetrated by a bullet. The severity of the injury can vary depending on factors such as the caliber of the weapon, the location of the impact, and the distance from which the shot was fired. Gunshot wounds can range from minor flesh wounds to life-threatening injuries, necessitating immediate medical attention.
However, "gotten shot" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone being figuratively wounded or deeply affected by a situation or event. This usage suggests that an individual has experienced a major setback, failure, or emotional trauma, similar to the impact of a literal gunshot. For instance, one might say, "His confidence got shot after his presentation was criticized," indicating that the person's self-assurance was significantly diminished.
Overall, whether employed literally or metaphorically, "gotten shot" describes the act of being struck by a bullet or experiencing profound negative consequences, either physically or emotionally.
The word "gotten" is the past participle of the verb "get". It originated from the Middle English word "geten" and the Old Norse word "geta". The term "gotten shot" is a combination of the verb "get" and the noun "shot", referring to being hit or injured by a bullet or projectile. Therefore, the etymology of "gotten shot" would trace back to the origins of both "get" and "shot" separately.