The word "putt putt" is often associated with miniature golf and refers to the sound made when a golf ball is struck by a putter. It is spelled with two "t"s in each word, which represents the sound of a doubled consonant. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription, "putt putt" is /pʌt pʌt/, where the "p" sounds are aspirated (with a small puff of air) and the "u" sounds are short and pronounced with the mouth in a neutral position.
Putt-putt is a noun that refers to a type of miniature golf game or course. Derived from the repetitive sound made by a small gas-powered engine, "putt putt" is often used to imitate the sound of these engines running. In the context of miniature golf, it typically represents a fun and recreational activity.
The term also commonly denotes a specific stroke used in golf. When putting in golf, a player strikes the ball with a gentle, controlled swing of the club, aimed at rolling the ball towards the hole. The "putt-putt" is a delicate and precise stroke that requires finesse and accuracy. It is characterized by a short backswing and a smooth follow-through, with the purpose of achieving the desired distance and direction for the ball to reach the hole successfully.
Furthermore, "putt-putt" is often used colloquially to describe any repetitive or rhythmic sound resembling the low, irregular noise produced by small engines, such as those found in small boats or old cars. This term's versatility makes it useful for imitating a range of repetitive sounds, each characterized by a distinctive repeating pattern.
Overall, "putt-putt" primarily describes a miniature golf game or course, a specific stroke used in golf, and also a repetitive engine sound in various contexts.
The word "putt putt" originated as an onomatopoeic term used to mimic the sound made by a small engine or motor. The repetitive and rhythmic sound of a two-stroke or small engine gave rise to this term, which eventually became associated with certain types of vehicles.
In the early 20th century, this term was particularly used to describe the sound made by small, low-powered boats called "putt putts" or "putt-putt boats". These boats were typically powered by a small, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine, which emitted a distinctive "putt putt" sound as it ran. The term later expanded its usage to include other vehicles or machines that produce a similar sound, such as lawnmowers or motorcycles with small engines.