Pronunciation: [hˈandbaskɪt] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "handbasket" may seem odd to some, but it is actually phonetically correct. The word is pronounced as /ˈhand.bæs.kɪt/ and the "d" is silent, which explains the missing letter in the spelling. The "a" after "hand" also changes the sound of the following "n" to a /æ/ sound. Despite its unusual spelling, "handbasket" is a commonly used term to describe a small, portable basket that is carried by hand.
Handbasket (noun):
1. A small, often rectangular-shaped, portable basket or a cylindrical container with handles, typically made from straw, wicker, or other flexible materials. Handbaskets are designed to be carried by hand and are used for holding or transporting various items.
Example: She carried a handbasket filled with fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer's market.
2. A figurative expression used in the idiom "going to hell in a handbasket," indicating a situation or condition rapidly deteriorating or declining towards chaos, disaster, or moral decay.
Example: The company's financial situation was going to hell in a handbasket as its debts mounted and sales declined.
The term "handbasket" originated from the combination of "hand" and "basket." It has a literal meaning referring to a small hand-held basket that can be easily carried, often used for carrying groceries, flowers, or other objects. These traditional handbaskets are typically woven from natural materials such as straw or wicker.
In a figurative sense, the expression "going to hell in a handbasket" is used to describe a situation where things are rapidly deteriorating or headed towards ruin. The phrase's origins are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the mid-19th century. It is frequently used colloquially to express dismay, frustration, or the perception of a societal decline.
The word "handbasket" is a compound noun composed of "hand" and "basket". Here is the etymology of each component:
1. Hand: The term "hand" can be traced back to the Old English word "hand" or "hond", which can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word "handuz". This word evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kmtom", which referred to the human hand. The word "hand" has remained relatively unchanged throughout history.
2. Basket: The word "basket" originated from the Old English word "bæscet" or "bscet", which is closely related to the Old Norse word "disketr". Both of these words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*baskatjo".
