Pronunciation: [hˈɪpt ɹˈuːf] (IPA) 
The proper spelling of the roofing style known as a "hipped roof" can be confusing due to the similar pronunciation of "hipped" and "hipped." However, the correct spelling uses the double "p" to indicate a harder emphasis on the consonant sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /hɪpt/ to reflect the short "i" sound, followed by the "p" sound, which is pronounced more forcefully than a single "p" would be.
A hipped roof, also known as a hip roof, is a style of roof characterized by its distinctive shape. It is a type of gabled roof that features slopes on all sides, including the front and back. The main characteristic of a hipped roof is that all its sides slope downwards to form a gentle slope towards the eaves.
This roofing style is popular due to its aesthetically pleasing appearance and its functional advantages. The slopes of a hipped roof allow for excellent water runoff, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage. The design also provides added stability and durability, making it ideal for areas prone to high winds or heavy snowfall.
A hipped roof typically has four sloping sides, forming a polygon shape, although it can have more sides in more complex designs. The top part of the roof, where the sloping sides meet, is known as the ridge. Hipped roofs often have dormer windows or skylights to add additional natural light and ventilation to the living space under the roof.
This style of roof is commonly found in residential homes, but it is also used in various architectural styles, such as colonial, farmhouse, and Mediterranean. Its versatility and practicality have made the hipped roof a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary buildings.
The term hipped roof likely originates from the Middle English word hippe, which meant hips or haunches. The term was used to describe the angles formed by the sloping sides of a roof. The hippe part of the word eventually evolved into hipped, indicating a roof that has sloping sides on all its four sides, as opposed to just the two sides in a gable roof. The etymology of the word can be traced back to Old English and Germanic roots, which share similar words for hips or haunches.
