"Packing in" is a phrasal verb that means to quit or abandon something. It's often spelled with the letter "c" instead of "ck", which could be confusing for non-native English speakers. The phonetic transcription for "pack in" is /pæk ɪn/. The "ck" sound in "pack" is usually pronounced as [k], but when followed by "in", it's replaced with [ɪ], making it easier to pronounce. So remember, when you hear or see "pack in", it's actually spelled with just one "c"!
The phrasal verb "pack in" has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can be defined as follows:
1. To cease doing something abruptly or suddenly, often due to exhaustion, physical limitations, or frustration. This meaning is commonly used when referring to stopping or quitting an activity or job. Example: "After working for 12 hours, Sarah decided to pack in and go home."
2. To fit items or objects tightly or compactly into a container, space, or luggage. In this sense, it refers to organizing and arranging things efficiently to maximize the use of available space. Example: "She skillfully packed in all her belongings into a single suitcase."
3. To attract an audience or gather a crowd for an event, performance, or show. Here, "pack in" implies creating a substantial audience size or attendance. Example: "The popular band's concert packed in hundreds of enthusiastic fans."
4. To incorporate or include various features, components, or characteristics into a product, service, or design. It suggests a comprehensive package or combination of elements. Example: "The new smartphone packs in numerous advanced features into a sleek design."
In summary, "pack in" can mean to stop or quit, organize densely, gather an audience, or incorporate various components. The appropriate definition varies depending on the specific context in which the phrase is used.
The etymology of the phrase pack in can be traced back to the Old English word pacian, which means to press together or to squeeze tightly. Over time, this word evolved into pack. Additionally, in is a preposition indicating movement towards the interior of something. Thus, pack in came to mean to squeeze or fit tightly into a space or container.