Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪd ˈɑːm] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "side arm" is /saɪd ɑːm/. The word is often used to describe a firearm that is carried on the side of one's body, typically in a holster. The first part of the word, "side," is pronounced with a long "i" sound (/saɪd/). The second part of the word, "arm," is pronounced with a long "a" sound (/ɑːm/). In proper English spelling, these sounds are represented by the letters "i," "d," "a," and "r."
Side arm is a term commonly used in the sports and military contexts, and it refers to a weapon, typically a firearm, that is worn or carried on one's body rather than being held in the hand. In sports, such as baseball or cricket, a side arm is a style of throwing or bowling where the arm is not raised straight over the shoulder but instead swung from the side, resulting in a lower release point and different trajectory of the ball.
In the military, side arm usually refers to a secondary weapon that is carried by soldiers, law enforcement officers, or other personnel as a backup or for close-quarter combat situations. It is distinct from the primary weapon and is often, but not always, smaller and more easily concealable. Side arms are typically handguns, such as pistols or revolvers, that can be holstered on the hip, leg, or chest for quick access when needed.
The term "side arm" derives from the fact that the weapon is carried or used at the side of the body, as opposed to being held in the hand or slung over the shoulder. It provides individuals with an additional layer of protection and a last resort option when their primary weapon is inaccessible or ineffective. Moreover, side arms are utilized by law enforcement officers for self-defense and to maintain public safety, while military personnel rely on side arms as a backup in close-quarter combat situations or when their primary firearm malfunctions.
The term "side arm" originated from the combination of two separate words: "side" and "arm".
The word "side" can be traced back to the Old English word "sīde", which means "flank" or "edge". In this context, it refers to the area alongside the body, usually where a weapon is carried.
The word "arm" comes from the Latin word "arma", meaning "weapons" or "tools of war". Over time, "arm" evolved to specifically indicate an individual's limbs used for carrying or using weapons.
Therefore, the etymology of "side arm" suggests a weapon that is typically carried or holstered at the side, rather than being slung or carried on one's back. This term is commonly used to refer to handguns or other smaller weapons that are easily carried or drawn with one hand.
