Pronunciation: [fˈə͡ʊtə͡ʊʃˌɒpɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "photoshopping," which means to edit or manipulate a digital image using Adobe Photoshop, is spelled phonetically as /ˈfoʊtoʊˌʃɑpɪŋ/. The first syllable "photo" is pronounced as "foʊtoʊ," while the second syllable "shop" is pronounced as "ʃɑp." The final syllable "ping" is pronounced as "ɪŋ." The word has gained popularity in recent years, as the use of digital imagery has become more commonplace in our lives.
Photoshopping is a term derived from the popular image editing software Adobe Photoshop, which has become widely used for digital image manipulation. It refers to the process of altering or modifying a photograph using editing techniques that can enhance, retouch, or completely change its appearance. As a verb, photoshopping describes the action of making adjustments to a digital image through software manipulation.
Photoshopping involves various techniques, such as adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance; removing imperfections, unwanted objects, or blemishes; or adding elements that were not present in the original image. It encompasses both simple adjustments like cropping or resizing images and more complex alterations involving merging multiple images or creating composite pictures.
This term has extended beyond just using Adobe Photoshop and now encompasses any digital image manipulation regardless of the software employed. Photoshopping can be used for artistic expression, creative experimentation, or as a means to deceive or mislead by altering photographs with intent to manipulate the truth, commonly termed as "photo manipulation" or "image doctoring."
While the term "photoshopping" often carries a negative connotation when used in the context of journalistic integrity, it can also refer to harmless and fun edits made for memes, humorous purposes, or creative projects. The availability and accessibility of photo editing software have made photoshopping a prevalent practice in both personal and professional settings.
The term "photoshopping" is derived from the name of the software program Adobe Photoshop, which is widely used for image editing and manipulation. The word itself is a blend of "photo", short for photograph, and "shop", which refers to a workshop or a place where work is done. The term initially emerged as a way to describe the process of digitally altering or retouching images using Adobe Photoshop, but it has since become a generic term used to refer to the act of editing or manipulating any digital image, regardless of the software used.
