Pronunciation: [skˈə͡ʊldɪd] (IPA) 
The word "scolded" is pronounced /skoʊldɪd/, and is spelled with an "o" in the second syllable rather than an "a" (which would make it "scalded"). The "o" represents the "oh" sound, while an "a" would represent an "ah" sound. The word means to rebuke or criticize someone harshly, and often implies a verbal chastisement. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and is common in spoken as well as written English.
Scolded is a verb that refers to the act of reprimanding or rebuking someone sternly or harshly due to their behavior, actions, or words. It involves expressing strong disapproval or criticism towards an individual for their perceived wrongdoings or faults.
When someone scolds another person, they typically do so with an angry or irritated tone of voice, using harsh words and gestures to convey their dissatisfaction or disappointment. Scolding often serves as a disciplinary measure aimed at correcting improper behavior, teaching a lesson, or expressing disapproval of someone's actions.
Typically, scolding occurs in a parental or authoritative context, where someone with authority or seniority admonishes a subordinate, child, or someone under their responsibility. However, scolding can also happen between peers, friends, or even strangers in situations where one person's behavior infringes on social norms or etiquette.
Scolding can have various emotional effects on the person at the receiving end. It may induce feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, or frustration, depending on the severity of the scolding and the individual's emotional resilience. While scolding can serve as a means to instill discipline, it is important for the person delivering the scolding to exercise caution, ensuring that it does not cross the line into abusive or demeaning behavior.
* 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 "scolded" comes from the Old Norse word "skāld", which meant a poet or a singer of heroic songs. Over time, the meaning of "skāld" evolved to refer to a person who frequently used their tongue, specifically in a sharp, critical, or abusive manner. This transformed into the Middle English word "skold", which meant to rebuke or reprimand someone verbally. Eventually, "skold" became "scold", and it has retained its meaning of admonishing or reproaching someone, particularly in a harsh or nagging manner, as it is currently used in the English language.
