The phrase "hears tell" is often used to indicate that information has been received secondhand, or through rumor. The spelling of this phrase can be explained with IPA phonetic transcription as /hɪrz tɛl/. The "s" in "hears" represents the voiced alveolar fricative sound /z/, while the "t" in "tell" is pronounced with a voiceless alveolar stop /t/. Together, these sounds create a distinctive rhythm that adds emphasis to the idea that the information being conveyed may not be entirely reliable.
The phrase "hears tell" is an idiomatic expression typically used in informal contexts to convey the act of hearing or obtaining information about something. It can be considered a colloquial shorthand for "hearsay" or "rumor" and is often employed when relaying secondhand information.
"Hears tell" is commonly used to imply that the information being shared may not be entirely reliable or verified as true. It signifies that the speaker is passing on knowledge they have acquired through word of mouth or from an unspecified source.
The phrase can also be used to highlight the act of gathering news or updates by actively listening to others. It emphasizes the individual's role as a receiver of information, attentive to hear what others have to say.
Additionally, "hears tell" can express a certain level of uncertainty regarding the validity or accuracy of the details being relayed. It serves as a disclaimer, reminding the listener that the information being provided is not firsthand and should be treated with caution.
In summary, "hears tell" is a casual phrase used to convey the act of hearing or obtaining information from other people, often indicating that the details may be based on rumors or unverified sources. Its usage suggests a degree of uncertainty and encourages the recipient to exercise judgment before accepting the information as true.
The phrase "hears tell" is derived from Old English and Middle English.
The word "hear" comes from the Old English word "hieran", which means "to hear" or "to listen". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hauzjan", and further back to the Proto-Indo-European root "ḱeuə-" meaning "to perceive" or "to hear".
The word "tell" comes from the Old English word "tellan", which means "to count", "to reckon", or "to relate". It is related to the Old High German word "zellen" and the Old Norse word "tala", both of which have similar meanings.
The phrase "hears tell" combines these two words to express something that has been heard or learned. It is often used to introduce second-hand information or rumors.