Pronunciation: [lˈa͡ʊsi wɪð] (IPA) 
The phrase "lousy with" means to have a large quantity of something, often in a negative or undesirable way. The spelling of "lousy" is interesting because the "ou" in the middle makes an "ow" sound, like in "cow." The "sy" at the end of "lousy" makes a "zee" sound. So, using the International Phonetic Alphabet, the pronunciation of "lousy" is /ˈlaʊzi/. When you add "with" to the phrase, it becomes /ˈlaʊzi wɪð/.
The phrase "lousy with" is an idiomatic expression commonly used to describe a situation or place that is excessively overflowing or abundant with something, generally in a negative or undesirable sense. The term originated in American English, particularly in the early 19th century.
When something or somewhere is said to be "lousy with," it implies an overwhelming abundance or saturation of a particular thing. The word "lousy" in this context does not refer to the literal meaning of being infested with lice, but rather conveys the idea of an unacceptable or undesirable surplus.
For example, if someone says that a particular city is "lousy with tourists," they mean that it is swarming or overrun with an excessive number of tourists, possibly resulting in overcrowding or inconvenience. Similarly, if a person mentions that a party was "lousy with food," it implies that the gathering was excessively supplied with an overwhelming amount of food, possibly to the point of waste.
The term is used metaphorically to emphasize the sheer quantity or degree of something, often with a negative connotation. It is a colorful and informal expression that adds emphasis to the overabundance or overflowing nature of a phenomenon, serving as a vivid description of the situation.
The phrase "lousy with" has an interesting etymology. Its origins can be traced back to the late 18th century in American English.
The term "lousy" in this context actually has a literal meaning. Initially, it referred to someone infested with lice, as "louse" is a term for a parasitic insect. Over time, "lousy" began to take on a figurative meaning, indicating something or someone that is unpleasant, disappointing, or of poor quality.
The expression "lousy with" developed as a way to emphasize a large quantity or overwhelming presence of something. It suggests that a particular person or place is so abundantly filled with something that it can be compared to being infested with lice or bugs. Essentially, it implies an excessive or overwhelming amount of something.
