The word "sours" is an interesting case when it comes to spelling. You might think that it should be spelled "sourz," with a Z at the end to indicate the plural form. However, it is actually spelled with an S - s-o-u-r-s - because the Z sound at the end is actually created by the combination of the S and the vocal cords vibrating. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /saʊrz/. So next time you write "sours," remember to use an S instead of a Z!
Sours can refer to the plural form of two different noun definitions, and also serve as a verb.
As a noun, sours can first mean a type of cocktail, typically made using a base spirit such as whiskey or brandy, lemon or lime juice, sugar, and sometimes egg whites. These cocktails are characterized by their tartness and are often enjoyed as a refreshing beverage.
Secondly, sours can also be used to refer to a category of candy that has a tangy or acidic taste. These candies are often coated in sour powder or have a sour filling, providing a sharp flavor sensation that is popular among individuals who enjoy intense tastes.
As a verb, to sour means to make something turn unpleasant or bitter in taste or smell, usually as a result of it going bad or being exposed to certain factors for a prolonged period. For example, milk might sour if left outside for too long, or a relationship may sour if there is constant conflict or betrayal.
In summary, sours can either refer to sour-tasting cocktails or candies as a noun, or denote the action of something becoming unpleasant or bitter as a verb.
* 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 "sours" has multiple etymological origins depending on its context:
1. As a verb:
The verb "sours" has its roots in the Old English word "sūrian", which means "to become sour" or "to sour". This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*sūrijaną". The origin of this Proto-Germanic word is uncertain, but some linguists suggest that it may be related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*sū-", which means "to take care of" or "to watch over".
2. As a noun (referring to a type of candy):
The noun "sours", in the context of referring to sour candy, is a shortening of the word "sourballs".