The phrase "peg out" refers to the act of staking or pegging down something, such as a tent or ropes. The spelling of "peg out" follows the English pronunciation rules, where "peg" is pronounced as /pɛɡ/ and "out" as /aʊt/. The "e" in "peg" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, while the "ou" in "out" creates an "ow" sound. When the two words are combined, the "g" sound flows into the "o" sound, making it easier to pronounce as one word, /'pɛɡaʊt/.
The phrase "peg out" can be understood as a colloquial verb phrase with multiple meanings. One possible definition of "peg out" is to exhaust oneself physically or mentally, often resulting in extreme fatigue or collapse. This meaning is often associated with overexertion or strenuous activity that leaves an individual utterly drained. For example, after a marathon, a person may completely peg out due to the extreme physical demands placed upon their body.
Another interpretation of "peg out" is to die or pass away. In this sense, it refers to the finality of life, which is often symbolized by placing a peg in the ground to mark a grave. The term is sometimes used euphemistically in place of expressions like "passing away" or "kicking the bucket." It signifies the end of an individual's life and is commonly used in informal conversations or obituaries.
Additionally, "peg out" can also relate to the act of securing or fastening something using pegs. This meaning is often seen in construction or woodworking, where pegs are utilized to join or hold pieces of material together. For instance, carpenters may peg out the joints of a wooden structure to ensure stability and strength.
Overall, the term "peg out" encompasses various definitions, including to exhaust oneself, to die, or to secure with pegs, depending on the context in which it is used.
The term "peg out" has different meanings and origins depending on the context. Here are two common usages of the phrase:
1. "Peg out" in Card Games:
In card games such as cribbage, to "peg out" means to reach or exceed the maximum score (usually 121 points) required to win the game. The "peg" here refers to the small markers used to keep track of the score on a cribbage board. The term likely originated from the act of moving the peg through the holes on the board as a player scored points, and when they reached the end of the board, they were deemed to have "pegged out" and won the game.
2. "Peg out" meaning "to die":
In colloquial English, "peg out" can also be used to mean "to die" or "to pass away".