The spelling of the word "gotten whiff" is a bit unique in terms of its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈɡɒt.n̩ ˈwɪf/. The first syllable "got" is pronounced as "gawt" with a short "o" sound. The "whiff" part is pronounced with a short "i" sound and a silent "h". The word "gotten" is a more archaic past participle of "get", which is mostly used in American English. The term "whiff" refers to a brief smell or odor that one can sense.
"Gotten whiff" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of perceiving or sensing a particular scent or odor. It implies the act of catching or detecting a faint, often fleeting, smell. The phrase 'gotten whiff' combines the verb 'gotten,' which indicates the acquisition or act of receiving, and the noun 'whiff,' which signifies a brief inhalation or slight trace of a fragrance.
When someone has "gotten whiff" of something, it means they have become aware of or encountered a particular scent, however subtle or transitory it may be. This expression can be used in various contexts, often to highlight the detection of an aroma or smell that may be unusual, pleasant, unpleasant, or distinctive in some way.
For instance, one might say, "I was walking past the bakery and caught a gotten whiff of freshly baked bread," indicating the person briefly smelled the delightful aroma of bread without lingering in that location. Similarly, "He got a gotten whiff of something rotten in the basement," may suggest that an individual perceived a foul odor, briefly indicating the presence of decay or something unpleasant.
In summary, "gotten whiff" characterizes the act of briefly sensing or becoming aware of a particular scent or odor, usually emphasizing its brevity or fleeting nature.
The phrase "gotten whiff" is not a common phrase with a specific etymology. "Gotten" is the past participle of "get", and "whiff" refers to a brief or faint smell. When used together, "gotten whiff" usually means to have caught an indication or hint of something. However, the phrase itself does not have a distinct origin or etymology.