The phrase "had a bellyful" means to have had enough of something, often in a negative sense. The spelling of this phrase is as it sounds, with "bellyful" pronounced with three syllables: /ˈbɛli.fʊl/. The "e" in "belly" makes the "eh" sound, while "ful" is pronounced like "full." This phrase originated in the 16th century, with "bellyful" used to describe being so full from eating that one's belly protrudes outward. Today, it is more commonly used figuratively.
The phrase "had a bellyful" typically means to have had enough of something, often in a negative or overwhelming sense. The expression is used metaphorically, referring to a metaphorical sense of being filled to the point of discomfort or dissatisfaction, as if one's belly were completely full.
When someone says they "had a bellyful," they are conveying a sense of reaching a limit or experiencing an excess of something, usually implying they no longer desire or require any more of it. The phrase can be employed in various contexts, including expressing frustration, annoyance, or exhaustion with a particular situation, person, or thing. It can also convey the idea of having endured more than enough of a certain circumstance or experience, implying a strong desire for it to end.
The phrase "had a bellyful" is often used in informal speech, and its origins can be traced back to the physical sensation of being physically full after consuming a large meal. The discomfort associated with an overly full belly is metaphorically applied to emotional or mental states. This colloquial expression denotes a clear feeling of being overwhelmed, emphasizing the point at which even one more instance or experience is deemed excessive or intolerable.