How Do You Spell SAWED OFF?

Pronunciation: [sˈɔːd ˈɒf] (IPA)

The phrase "sawed off" is spelled with two d's instead of one, which might be confusing to some. The reason for this spelling can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription. The word "saw" is pronounced /sɔː/, while the past tense form "sawed" is pronounced /sɔːd/. When "sawed" is combined with "off," the final /d/ sound is followed by a vowel sound in "off," so the spelling changes to "sawed off" to maintain the pronunciation of both words.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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SAWED OFF Meaning and Definition

  1. "Sawed off" is an adjective that typically describes an object, especially a firearm or a tool, that has been shortened or modified by cutting it with a saw. This alteration involves removing a considerable portion of the object, usually to make it more compact and easier to handle. The term "sawed off" is derived from the verb "to saw," which refers to the action of cutting through something using a saw, and "off," which indicates the separation or removal of a specific section.

    Regarding firearms, a "sawed-off shotgun" is the most common association with this term. It refers to a type of short-barreled shotgun that has had its barrel or stock significantly reduced in size through sawing. The shortened barrel reduces the weapon's effectiveness at longer ranges but increases its portability and ease of concealment. Sawing off a shotgun's barrel is often illegal or regulated due to safety concerns and legal requirements governing the minimum barrel length for firearms.

    Apart from firearms, "sawed off" can also describe tools, such as saws or hammers, that have been purposefully shortened for convenience or to suit specific tasks. This modification can lead to improved maneuverability and handling in tight spaces or with certain materials.

    In summary, "sawed off" is an adjective that refers to an object, particularly a firearm or tool, that has been shortened or modified by cutting it with a saw, usually to enhance portability, handling, or convenience.

Common Misspellings for SAWED OFF

Etymology of SAWED OFF

The word "sawed off" is a compound term made up of the verb "sawed" and the adjective "off".

The verb "saw" is derived from the Old English word "seawan", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*sagjanan". This word has cognates in various Germanic languages such as Old High German "sehwan", Old Norse "saga", and Dutch "zagen", all meaning "to cut with a saw".

The adjective "off" is derived from the Old English word "of", which originates from the Proto-Germanic word "*af". It has cognates in several Germanic languages, including Old High German "aba", Old Norse "af", and Gothic "af", all meaning "off, away from".

When combined, "sawed off" describes something that has been shortened or amputated using a saw.