"Pitch darks" is a colloquial term used to describe extremely dark conditions, both indoors and outdoors. It is spelled as [pɪtʃ dɑːks] in IPA phonetics, with the "p" sounding like "puh," the "i" sounding like "ih," and the "ch" sounding like "chuh." The second part of the word "darks" is spelled with a silent "k" and a long "a" sound. Overall, this phrase uses simple, easy-to-read phonetics to convey the sense of complete darkness.
Pitch darks is a colloquial term used to describe a state of complete darkness or an environment lacking any visible illumination. The term "pitch" in this context refers to a highly viscous and intensely black substance known as pitch, often derived from the distillation of wood or certain petroleum products. The attribute "dark" signifies the absence of light or the presence of a minimal amount of light that is insufficient for visibility.
When applied to a physical space or conditions, pitch darks suggests an extreme degree of darkness, comparable to the deep blackness of pitch. In such scenarios, the absence of any discernible light sources renders the surroundings impenetrably dark and inhibits normal vision. This can occur naturally in remote areas with limited or no artificial lighting, deep underground, or during the nighttime in areas far away from city lights.
The expression is also frequently utilized metaphorically to describe a feeling of intense gloom, despair, or the absence of hope. By likening the darkness to pitch, which is often associated with negativity or a lack of clarity, pitch darks evoke a sense of foreboding or a profound darkness in emotional or mental states. This can be experienced during periods of sadness, despair, or in situations where one feels trapped or without any means of escape.
Overall, pitch darks refers to a state or condition characterized by an extreme absence of light, be it in a physical or figurative sense.
The term "pitch dark" or "pitch black" is used to describe extreme darkness, where no light can be seen.
The etymology of "pitch" in this context can be traced back to Old English and its Germanic roots. The word "pitch" originally referred to a dark, sticky substance derived from the resin of pine trees, known as "pic" in Old English. This tar-like material was used for various purposes, including as a coating for ships to make them waterproof.
Over time, the term "pitch" came to be associated with darkness due to its deep, black color. It is believed that the comparison between the color of pitch and extreme darkness led to the phrase "pitch dark" or "pitch black" to describe a complete absence of light.