How Do You Spell OWN THING?

Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊn θˈɪŋ] (IPA)

The phrase "own thing" is spelled with the letter combination "ow" which is pronounced as /aʊ/. The sound is a diphthong and is made by blending the sounds of /a/ as heard in words like "father" and /ʊ/ as heard in words like "put". It is often used to mean doing something in one's own unique way, free from outside influence. As the phrase is commonly used, it's important to spell it correctly so as to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation of meaning.

OWN THING Meaning and Definition

1. "Own thing" refers to an individual's unique and personal way of doing something, typically characterized by independence, freedom, and self-expression. The phrase indicates a person's inclination to pursue their interests, preferences, or aspirations without being influenced or controlled by external factors or societal norms.

   When someone is said to be doing their "own thing," it implies that they are following their own path or making choices based on their personal convictions, rather than adhering to conventional expectations or norms. This concept empowers individuals to explore their own passions and hobbies, creating a sense of individuality and uniqueness.

   As an idiom, "own thing" can be applied in various contexts. For instance, it can refer to someone pursuing their own career path or establishing their own distinctive style in fashion, art, or music. It signifies independence of thought and action, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy and self-direction.

   In summary, "own thing" denotes an individual's distinct and independent way of doing something, emphasizing self-expression, freedom from conformity, and the pursuit of personal interests and goals.

Etymology of OWN THING

The phrase "own thing" does not have a distinct etymology as it is a combination of two words, "own" and "thing", both of which have their own etymologies.

1. "Own": The word "own" originated from the Old English word "āgen" which meant "one's own" or "possessed by oneself". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic "aiganaz", meaning "possessed", which can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "aik-", meaning "to be master of". Over time, "āgen" evolved into "own" in Middle English, retaining its meaning of possession or belonging to oneself.

2. "Thing": The term "thing" has a more complex lineage. In Old English, it was known as "þing" or "þinga", which meant a public assembly or council.

Idioms with the word OWN THING

• do own thing To do one's own thing means to pursue one's own interests or follow one's own path, regardless of what others may think or expect. It often implies independence, self-reliance, and individuality.
• do your own thing To do what one wants or feels is necessary, without regard for what others are doing or think is appropriate.
• do one’s own thing To do one's own thing means to pursue one's own interests, follow one's own instincts, or behave in a way that is unique to oneself without being influenced by others. It suggests independence and a willingness to go against the norm.