The spelling of the word "husky" may seem peculiar, but it follows the English language's inconsistency in pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for "husky" is /ˈhʌski/, which breaks down to the "h" being pronounced as "h," the "u" as "uh," the "s" as "s," and the "k" as "kee." The emphasized syllable is the "h" sound, which is followed by the "u" sound, creating the unique pronunciation. Despite its spelling, "husky" is a commonly used term to describe a breed of dog or a gruff vocal quality.
Husky is an adjective that has multiple meanings and can be used to describe different things or situations. Generally, "husky" refers to something or someone that is deep, rough, or hoarse in sound or voice. It often conveys a sense of deep resonance or thickness. For example, a husky voice or husky tone emphasizes a deeper pitch or roughness.
In the context of physical appearance, "husky" is often used to describe someone, particularly a man or boy, who is heavyset, big-boned, or having a sturdy build. It suggests a strong and muscular physique, sometimes with a tinge of stockiness. This use of the term is commonly employed when describing body types, particularly in relation to weight and size.
Furthermore, "husky" can also refer to a breed of dogs known as Siberian Huskies. These dogs are medium-sized, highly energetic working dogs, often characterized by their thick coats, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings. Siberian Huskies are known for their endurance, agility, and ability to withstand cold weather, making them suitable for sled-pulling.
In summary, "husky" primarily denotes a deep, rough, or hoarse sound, commonly associated with voices. Additionally, it can describe a sturdy build, especially in men, and is also used as a term for a particular breed of dog known as the Siberian Husky.
Abounding with or consisting of husks; dry; rough.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "husky" originated from the Old English word "hūscian", which means "to hoarse" or "to growl". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hussijaną", meaning "to cough, wheeze, or groan". Over time, the meaning of "husky" evolved to describe a type of dog breed known for its hoarse and deep voice.