Pronunciation: [lˈɪvɪŋ ɪn ɡˈʌtə] (IPA) 
The phrase "living in gutter" is spelled with a hard "g" sound in the word "gutter." The IPA phonetic transcription for the word "gutter" is /ˈɡʌtər/. The letter "g" makes the voiced velar stop sound /ɡ/ when it is followed by the vowel sound /ʌ/ in this word. The phrase "living in gutter" means to live in extreme poverty or squalor, often without a home or basic necessities.
"Living in the gutter" is an idiomatic expression used to figuratively describe a state of extreme poverty, destitution, or degradation in which an individual or a group of people find themselves. This phrase refers to a condition where someone's living standards have fallen to such a level that it resembles the unsanitary and undesirable environment of a gutter, which typically refers to the channel or depression at the edge of a road for directing water.
In this context, living in the gutter represents a state of extreme deprivation, where an individual is facing abject poverty, homelessness, and lack of basic necessities. This condition is often characterized by a complete lack of financial resources, limited access to healthcare and education, inadequate housing, and overall social marginalization. The metaphorical use of "gutter" emphasizes the dire circumstances people find themselves in and can also refer to societal neglect, abandonment, or the disregarded portions of society.
Living in the gutter implies struggling to meet even the most basic human needs, such as food, shelter, and safety. The phrase portrays the harsh reality faced by individuals who are forced to live on the fringes of society, often unseen and unheard by others. It underscores the vast disparities that exist within society and serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for social, economic, and political reforms to alleviate poverty and ensure equal opportunities for all members of society.
