The correct spelling of the phrase is actually "hung up" not "hanged up." The past tense and past participle of "hang" are both spelled "hung" and not "hanged." The /ŋ/ sound at the end of the word is spelled with a 'g' instead of a 'd.' The spelling of words in English can often be tricky, but paying attention to the phonetic sounds and the rules of the language can help ensure proper spelling.
The term "hanged up" refers to the act of disconnecting or terminating a phone call abruptly or intentionally. It describes a situation where the person on the other end of the line abruptly ends the call without any formal goodbye or explanation. This expression is commonly used to describe a quick and sudden end to a conversation.
"Hanged up" is often used in informal settings and is synonymous with phrases like "hung up" or "cut off." The term implies that the person terminating the call does so in an abrupt manner, often leaving the recipient surprised, confused, or even frustrated at the sudden disconnection.
The act of "hanging up" can happen due to various reasons, such as a loss of signal or accidental button press, but it can also be intentional. Intentional hang-ups can occur as an expression of anger, annoyance, or as a deliberate means of avoiding further conversation. In some cases, people may hang up to assert their power or control over a situation, ending the call abruptly as a statement of dissatisfaction or disagreement.
Overall, "hanged up" is a colloquial term that describes the sudden disconnection of a phone call, commonly used in informal conversations to convey surprise, frustration, or an abrupt end to a conversation.
The phrase "hanged up" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words. However, we can look at the etymology of each individual word:
1. Hanged: The word "hanged" is the past participle of the verb "hang". It comes from the Old English word "hangian", which has Germanic origins. The verb has been used since ancient times to refer to the act of suspending or attaching something so that it is not supported from below. In the context of execution, "hanged" specifically refers to the act of putting someone to death by suspending them from the neck.
2. Up: The word "up" has its roots in Old English and comes from the Germanic word "upp". It is typically used as an adverb or preposition to indicate a higher position or a higher level of something.