Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ʊs] (IPA) 
The word "souse" is spelled with the letters "s-o-u-s-e". It is pronounced /saʊs/, with the "ou" sound in "out" and a soft "s" at the beginning. "Souse" can be used as both a noun and verb, referring to a pickling method for food or to soak something in a liquid. The spelling and pronunciation of "souse" have evolved over time, with earlier versions including "sowse" and "sus".
Souse is a verb that can be used to describe the action of immersing or soaking something in a liquid, typically a liquid used for pickling or preserving. This term is often associated with the culinary process of submerging food items, such as meat or fish, in a flavored brine or vinegar solution to enhance its flavor, texture, or shelf life. The process of sousing involves submerging the food item entirely or partially to ensure that it absorbs the flavors and is preserved properly.
In addition to food preparation, sousing can also refer to the act of soaking or drenching oneself or another person in liquid, often with a humorous or playful connotation. It implies the act of thoroughly wetting oneself, either intentionally or unintentionally, in a shower or bath, pool, or any other body of water.
Souse can also be used as a noun to refer to a type of preserved meat, typically fish, that has undergone the process of pickling or soaking in a vinegar or brine solution. This type of souse is often seasoned with various herbs, spices, or aromatics, and it is commonly served cold as a side dish or appetizer.
Overall, souse is a versatile term used in various contexts, primarily related to the immersion of food or oneself in a liquid, often for preservation, flavor enhancement, or enjoyment purposes.
• To plunge suddenly, or make a sudden plunge, into water.
• All at once; on a sudden.
• Pickle made with salt; something kept in pickle; the pickled ears, feet, &c., of swine.
• To soak or steep in pickle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "souse" has its origins in Old French. It comes from the word "salcia" which meant "to pickle" or "to brine". This term later developed into "souser" in Middle English, which referred to a pickled or brined food item. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, "souse", and expanded in meaning to also include the act of soaking or drenching something in liquid.
