The phrase "lived off of" is commonly used to indicate someone relied on a particular source of sustenance or support. Phonetically, the word "off" is pronounced as /ɒf/ with a short "o" sound followed by a soft "f." This is consistent with the standard British English pronunciation. The phrase is spelled as it sounds, with the "o" and "f" represented by their common letters. It should be noted that some English speakers may use the phrase "lived off" instead, omitting the preposition "of."
Lived off of is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of subsisting or relying on something or someone for sustenance or survival. It implies that an individual or a group is able to meet their basic needs and maintain their well-being by solely depending on a particular resource, situation, or support system.
This phrase often conveys the idea of sustained living or surviving by utilizing a specific resource abundantly enough to meet the necessary requirements for sustenance. It indicates a state of being self-sufficient or supported on a continuous basis. For example, one may say that an indigenous tribe lived off of the land, meaning they were able to sustain themselves by utilizing the natural resources available in their environment.
"Lived off of" can also be used when referring to subsisting on someone else's financial support or resources. For instance, a young adult who is still financially dependent on their parents may be said to live off of their parents' income. It implies that the individual is reliant on another person to provide the necessary financial means to maintain their lifestyle.
In summary, "lived off of" signifies reliance on a particular resource, support system, or financial assistance in order to meet one's basic needs and maintain a certain quality of life.