The phrase "gross out" is spelled with the letter "o" followed by a double "s". It is pronounced /ɡroʊs aʊt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The stress falls on the first syllable, and the "ou" in "out" is pronounced like the diphthong in "cow". The word "gross" has multiple meanings, including unpleasant or disgusting, and "gross out" means to cause someone to feel repulsed or sickened. It is a common slang phrase used in informal conversations, particularly among young people.
Gross out is a phrasal verb often used in informal or colloquial language to describe a feeling of disgust or repulsion caused by something deemed revolting or offensive. The term is commonly used to express a strong negative reaction, especially in relation to explicit or disturbing content.
To "gross out" is to be disgusted or repelled by something, either verbally, visually, or experientially. It refers to situations or stimuli that are generally considered gross, disgusting, or offensive, leading to feelings of nausea, discomfort, or aversion. This response can be triggered by a range of things, including bodily fluids, smells, unusual behaviors, or graphic depictions that violate societal norms or personal boundaries.
When someone is grossed out, they may express their disgust through physical reactions like gagging, cringing, or covering their eyes or nose. Additionally, they might vocalize their discomfort through exclamations, complaints, or simply verbalizing their disgust. The expression is often used in light-hearted or humorous contexts, to share experiences or reactions to unusual or unpleasant situations.
The term "gross out" can also be used as a noun to describe an event or situation that causes disgust or revulsion. For instance, watching a horror movie filled with gruesome scenes could be referred to as a "gross-out movie."
In summary, "gross out" refers to a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion caused by something that is considered distasteful, offensive, or generally revolting.
The word "gross out" is a colloquial term that emerged in American English during the mid-1960s. It combines the word "gross", meaning disgusting or objectionable, and the preposition "out", which in this context intensifies and extends the meaning. The term originated as slang, likely influenced by the counterculture and youth movements of the time. Its precise etymology is difficult to trace as it likely developed organically within the vernacular, but it has since become a commonly used expression to convey an intense feeling of disgust.