The word "lunger" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /ˈlʌŋɡər/. This spelling takes into account the pronunciation of the word, which refers to someone who suffers from tuberculosis. Although it may seem confusing to some, the "ng" sound at the end of the word is in fact pronounced as an "n" sound. This is why the phonetic transcription uses the letter "g" instead of "n", to represent this unique aspect of the word's sound. Overall, understanding the phonetic transcription helps to make spelling and pronunciation more accurate.
The term "lunger" refers to a person who suffers from tuberculosis (TB), a contagious and often devastating lung disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This term is derived from one of the most prominent symptoms of TB, which is chronic coughing, often accompanied by the expulsion of phlegm, known as sputum. This condition results in recurring episodes of violent coughing fits, resembling the act of lunging forward.
A lunger typically exhibits characteristic signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, such as persistent coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and in severe cases, coughing up blood. It is important to note that a lunger is highly contagious and can transmit the disease to others, primarily through airborne droplets expelled during coughs or sneezes. Therefore, individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis often require isolation and immediate treatment with antibiotics to prevent the spread of the infection.
In the past, the term "lunger" was commonly used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when tuberculosis was one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It gained popularity due to the widespread occurrence of the disease and the noticeable lunging motion observed in those afflicted.
Today, with advancements in medical treatments and public health practices, the term "lunger" is less frequently used. However, it still serves as a historical reference to the devastating impact of tuberculosis and the struggle faced by individuals diagnosed with this highly contagious lung disease.
Slang for consumptive.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "lunger" is derived from the word "lunge", which originated from the Middle English word "longe". "Longe" referred to a sudden forward movement or thrust, typically made by a person or an animal. Over time, "longe" developed into "lunge", which continued to emphasize this sudden or forward thrusting action. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the term "lunger" emerged to specifically denote a person suffering from tuberculosis (a disease affecting the lungs). This usage originated from the perception that individuals with tuberculosis often made a sudden, violent forward movement while coughing or experiencing breathing difficulties. Thus, the term "lunger" came to be associated with those afflicted with the disease, and it remains in use, though less prevalent, today.