The word "pang" is spelled with four letters and its IPA phonetic transcription is /pæŋ/. The first two letters "pa" represent the voiceless bilabial plosive sound /p/, followed by the letter "n" representing the voiced alveolar nasal sound /n/. Finally, the letter "g" represents the voiceless velar plosive sound /g/. This short and simple word has a variety of meanings, including a sudden sharp pain, a short-lived feeling of distress, or a loud noise.
Pang is a noun that can refer to a sudden and sharp, often severe, feeling of physical or emotional discomfort or distress. It is commonly associated with a brief, intense sensation or spasm of pain. In terms of physical pain, a pang can manifest as a sharp, stabbing or cramping sensation experienced in various parts of the body, such as the abdomen, chest, or head.
Additionally, pang can also describe emotional discomfort or distress, often characterized by a sudden wave of sadness, longing, or regret. It emphasizes the intensity and suddenness of the emotional distress, usually resulting from a poignant memory, a feeling of loss or separation, or a yearning for something/someone.
The term is frequently used to describe temporary or fleeting experiences of discomfort or pain rather than long-lasting or chronic conditions. It captures the essence of a brief, often sharp and intense sensation that may occur spontaneously or unexpectedly. Primarily, a pang denotes a strong sensation that is both brief and urgent, prompting immediate attention or reaction. It is a succinct and vivid word used to express the intensity and abruptness of physical or emotional pain or distress.
A paroxysm of extreme pain or anguish, either physical or mental; agony; great distress or suffering.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pang" originated from the Old English word "pancian", which means "to have a sensation of pain or distress". This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "pankōną", meaning "to prick" or "to pierce". The Proto-Germanic term, in turn, can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "peng", which also means "to strike" or "to pierce". Over time, the word evolved and gained its current meaning of a sudden or sharp feeling of pain or distress.