The word "pouting" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ˈpaʊ.tɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced with a "p" sound followed by an "ow" sound, represented by the phonetic symbol /aʊ/. The second syllable begins with a "t" sound and is followed by an "ih" sound, represented by the phonetic symbol /ɪ/. The final syllable is pronounced with the "ng" sound, represented by the phonetic symbol /ŋ/. The correct pronunciation of this word is essential to avoid confusion with the similarly spelled word "outing."
Pouting is a verb that refers to the act of pushing out one's lips to show displeasure or dissatisfaction. It is often characterized by a protrusion of the lips, usually with a downward or sideways movement. Pouting is commonly associated with sulking or expressing discontent, often in response to not getting one's way or feeling upset about a certain situation.
The facial expression associated with pouting is typically one of being petulant, resentful, or frustrated. It may involve other facial cues, such as narrowed or scowling eyebrows, folded arms, or a slouched posture. Pouting is often accompanied by a sullen or moody demeanor, as the person may withdraw socially or engage in passive-aggressive behavior.
Although pouting is frequently observed in children and adolescents, it is not limited to this age group. People of all ages can engage in pouting as a means of communicating their unhappiness or showing their displeasure.
In certain contexts, pouting may also be used playfully or teasingly, rather than being genuinely upset or dissatisfied. This can be seen in expressions like a "pouty smile" or "pouty lips," which may suggest a flirtatious or coy behavior.
Overall, pouting is a nonverbal form of communication that conveys a person's dissatisfaction or displeasure by protruding their lips, often accompanied by a sullen or moody demeanor.
• Projecting; prominent.
• Act of one who pouts; childish sullenness.
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 "pouting" has an interesting etymology. It derives from the Middle English word "pouten", which can be traced back to the Old English word "potian", meaning "to push or thrust". This Old English word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German "stossen" (to push) and Dutch "stoten" (to thrust).
Over time, the meaning of "pouten" evolved to include the sense of pushing out one's lips in a sullen or sulky expression. This specific sense of protruding the lips to convey displeasure or unhappiness is what we commonly associate with pouting today.
The etymology of "pouting" thus connects its origins with the concept of pushing or thrusting, which has later developed into its specific meaning of displaying a sulky expression by pushing out the lips.