The word "jaundiced" is spelled with a "u" and a "d" even though they are not pronounced in the word. The correct phonetic transcription is /ˈdʒɔːndɪst/ which has a long "o" sound, a "j" sound, and a short "i" sound. The "u" and "d" letters in the spelling are a remnant of the word's etymology, which comes from the Old French word "jaunice," meaning "yellowness." The spelling has evolved over time, but the pronunciation has remained the same.
Jaundiced refers to a condition where a person may have a yellowish coloration to their skin, sclera (the white part of the eyes), and mucous membranes due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when red blood cells break down. The presence of jaundice often indicates an underlying problem with the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts, which prevents the normal processing and elimination of bilirubin from the body. This can occur due to various reasons, such as liver disease, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, gallstones, or certain medications.
The term "jaundiced" can also be used metaphorically to describe a negative, cynical, or prejudiced perspective or outlook. In this context, someone with a jaundiced view tends to perceive everything or everyone with suspicion, skepticism, or a biased opinion, often due to past experiences or general distrust. This attitude can stem from a lack of faith in others or an overall pessimistic worldview. It implies a tendency to see things from a distorted perspective, colored by pessimism or prejudice, rather than with objectivity or fairness. In summary, jaundiced can refer to a physical symptom of a yellow discoloration in the body caused by excess bilirubin, or a metaphorical term describing a negative, cynical, or prejudiced viewpoint.
Affected with jaundice; prejudiced; biassed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "jaundiced" originated from the Old French word "jaunisse", which itself came from the Latin word "galbinus". This Latin term originally referred to a yellowish-green color, particularly associated with bile or gall. In medieval times, "jaunisse" was used to describe the condition of someone whose skin appeared yellow due to a liver disorder, known as jaundice. Over time, the term "jaundiced" began to be used metaphorically to represent a negative or prejudiced outlook, possibly due to the association of a jaundiced appearance with illness or a distorted view of reality.