The phrase "kicking self" means to regret a mistake or missed opportunity. The spelling of the word "kicking" is pronounced as /ˈkɪkɪŋ/ with a short "i" sound in the first syllable and a stressed "i" sound in the second syllable. The word "self" is pronounced as /sɛlf/ with a short "e" sound in the first syllable and an "lf" sound in the second syllable. Together, the phrase is spelled as "kicking self" and is commonly used in informal conversation to express disappointment in oneself.
"Kicking self" is a colloquial phrase that refers to the act of feeling regret, frustration, or disappointment towards oneself for making a mistake, missing an opportunity, or failing to accomplish a goal. It implies a sense of self-criticism or self-blame for a perceived error or poor judgment. The term "kicking" metaphorically represents the act of physically punishing oneself, akin to figuratively 'kicking' one's own body as an expression of frustration. It connotes a sense of self-inflicted punishment or reproach over a past action or decision.
This term is often used to describe a situation in which an individual recognizes their own error, whether it was a missed chance, a wrong choice, or an unsuccessful endeavor, and subsequently experiences feelings of regret, dissatisfaction, or self-anger. "Kicking self" can relate to various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, career choices, educational opportunities, or general life decisions. It reflects an internalized sense of disappointment and a desire to change the outcome if given another chance.
The expression "kicking self" captures the emotional and psychological self-blaming process, highlighting the tendency of individuals to be their own harshest critics. It suggests the recognition of a personal failure or setback and serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from one's mistakes, making better choices in the future, and finding ways to avoid similar regrets and missed opportunities.
The phrase "kicking self" is not a word with its own distinct etymology. Instead, it is a combination of two separate words, "kicking" and "self". The etymology of each word is as follows:
1. Kicking:
The word "kicking" comes from the Old English word "cicgan" or "cyccan", which means to "kick". It has Germanic origins and is related to Old Norse "kikna" and Middle Dutch "kichelen".
2. Self:
The word "self" comes from the Old English word "self", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*selbaz". It relates to the notion of one's own identity or individuality and has origins in Proto-Indo-European language.