The word "shouldda" is a nonstandard contraction of the phrase "should have". It is commonly used in informal speech and writing, but it is not considered standard English. The spelling of "shouldda" reflects the way the phrase is pronounced, with the first syllable "should" being pronounced as "shud" in rapid speech. In IPA phonetic transcription, "shouldda" is pronounced /ˈʃʊdə/ or /ˈʃʊd'ə/, with the middle syllable being reduced to a schwa sound.
"Shouldda" is a colloquial contraction of the phrase "should have." It is an informal term commonly used in spoken language and informal writing. The word "shouldda" combines "should" (indicating obligation or advisability) and "have" (denoting the past tense or completion of an action).
The term "shouldda" is used to express regret or disappointment about not having done something in the past. It is particularly employed when referring to missed opportunities or actions not taken that would have been beneficial or advantageous. For instance, someone might say, "I shouldda studied harder for the exam" or "I shouldda gone to the gym yesterday."
"Shouldda" is often associated with a sense of hindsight, as it implies that the person speaking now recognizes what they should have done, but did not realize or acknowledge it at the time. It is used to convey a personal judgment or evaluation of a past situation, indicating that a different decision or action should have been made.
While "shouldda" is widely used in informal conversations, it is considered nonstandard English and is best avoided in formal writing. Its usage is prevalent in spoken language, particularly in casual settings, but may be perceived as sloppy or unprofessional if used in more formal contexts.