The word "gulped down" is spelled as /ɡʌlpt daʊn/. The first syllable is spelled with the letter "g" and the sound /ʌ/, which is the short u sound. The second syllable is spelled with the letters "lp" and pronounced with the blended sound /lpt/. The last syllable is spelled with the letters "d" and "wn" and pronounced with the sound /daʊn/, which is the diphthong ou sound. This phrase means to swallow quickly or eagerly.
The phrase "gulped down" refers to the action of hastily consuming a liquid or food item in large quantities. It often denotes the act of swallowing rapidly and audibly, typically due to hunger, thirst, or a need for quick sustenance. The term "gulped" suggests a forceful and exaggerated intake, possibly accompanied by a distinct sound or sensation.
When someone "gulps down" a drink or a meal, they usually exhibit little concern for savoring the flavors, textures, or overall experience. Instead, they prioritize the act of ingesting the substance as quickly as possible, often without paying attention to portion sizes or manners. The action of gulping down can sometimes be associated with a sense of urgency, such as when someone is in a rush or desperately hungry.
The phrase is commonly used figuratively to describe other non-food related situations. For example, someone may "gulp down" information, implying that they absorb it quickly and eagerly without much contemplation or analysis. Similarly, a person might "gulp down" their emotions, meaning they suppress or quickly get rid of their feelings, often as a defense mechanism.
In summary, "gulped down" refers to the act of swiftly and energetically consuming a liquid or food item, often disregarding the sensory experience and opting for a rapid intake. The phrase can also be metaphorically applied to describe the absorption of information or the suppression of emotions.
The etymology of the phrase "gulped down" can be traced back to the combination of two different words:
1. "Gulp": The word "gulp" comes from Middle Dutch "gulpen" and Middle Low German "gulpen", which mean "to drink greedily or in large quantities". It eventually entered English in the 16th century with the same meaning of swallowing hastily or in a rapid manner.
2. "Down": The word "down" in this context serves as an adverb, reinforcing the action of the verb "gulp". It signifies that the swallowing or drinking is happening completely or enthusiastically, without interruption.
Therefore, the phrase "gulped down" conveys the idea of quickly and enthusiastically swallowing or drinking something, often associated with a sense of haste or voracity.