Pronunciation: [nˌɒt ɡˈɒt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling for the phrase "not got" is typically spelled as "not gotten" in American English. In British English, it is acceptable to use "not got" as a contraction of "have not got." The IPA phonetic transcription for "not gotten" would be /nɑt ˈɡɒt.ən/, while "not got" would be /nɒt ɡɒt/. It is important to note that using the correct spelling and grammar is essential in communicating effectively and professionally.
"Not got" is a slang expression that is typically used in informal and colloquial speech, particularly in British English. It is a negation phrase that means the opposite of having possession or acquiring something. The phrase is formed by combining the word "not" with the past participle of the verb "get," which is "got."
The term implies a lack of possession or ownership of an item or an inability to obtain it. It could refer to a physical object, such as "I have not got a car," indicating that the speaker does not own a vehicle. Additionally, it can be used to express the absence of an abstract concept or a state, for instance, "The country has not got a just legal system."
The phrase "not got" is commonly used in negative sentences to deny or negate the possession, acquisition, or availability of something. It is often employed in spoken language and informal writing, where brevity and simplicity are preferred over formal and elaborate terms.
As a nonstandard construction, "not got" may sound peculiar to some English speakers, particularly those using American English. In American English, the more common expression is "do not have," which conveys the same meaning. However, "not got" remains widely understood within the context in which it is commonly used.
The phrase "not got" is not a single word, but a combination of two words: "not" and "got". Therefore, it does not have a specific etymology on its own. However, we can look at the etymology of each word individually.
"Not" comes from the Old English word "naught" or "nāwiht", which translates to "nothing" or "no thing". Through linguistic changes over time, it evolved to the Middle English "not".
"Got" comes from the Old Norse word "geta", meaning "to obtain" or "to acquire". This term was then integrated into Old English as "gietan" and ultimately became "got" in Modern English.
When combined, "not got" represents a negation of having or possessing something.
