Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The word "Sowse" is spelled with the sounds /saʊs/. These sounds are represented in IPA phonetic transcription by the letters /s/ for the "s" sound at the beginning, /aʊ/ for the "ow" diphthong, and /s/ once again for the final "s" sound. This word can refer to a pickled sauce made from vinegar and onions, or it can be used as a slang term for someone who is under the influence of alcohol.
"Sowse" is a colloquial term used predominantly in the British dialect, representing a food preparation technique or a type of dish. As a noun, "sowse" refers to a flavorful pickle or brine solution, typically composed of vinegar, herbs, and spices, used for preserving or pickling meat, particularly pork, herring, or mackerel. The meat is usually immersed or soaked in the brine to enhance its flavor and extend its shelf life. As a verb, "sowse" describes the act of dunking or soaking food, predominantly meat or fish, in the aforementioned brine or pickle solution, either before cooking or as a preserving method. The process of "sowsing" often imparts a distinctive tangy or sour taste to the meat, complemented by the added spices and herbs.
Additionally, "sowse" can also refer to a dish prepared by soaking or cooking meat in the aforementioned brine or pickle solution. This is commonly seen in traditional British cuisine, where herring or mackerel are "sowsed" and then served cold as part of a salad or platter. The dish may be garnished with onions, cucumbers, or other pickled vegetables. In some regions, "sowse" may also be referred to as "soused fish" or "soused herring".
Overall, "sowse" encompasses both the technique of preserving or pickling meat in a vinegar-based solution and the resulting dish that is characterized by its distinctive tangy, briny, or sour flavor.
The word "sowse" is believed to have originated from Middle English, specifically from the word "souss" or "souse". This Middle English term, in turn, was derived from Old French "sule", meaning "pickled pork, broth", or "soulte", meaning "salmon soaked in brine". The ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, but it is theorized to come from Gaulish or Germanic sources. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved into "sowse". Today, "sowse" refers to a type of pickled or brine-soaked meat, typically eel or pork, and is also used as a slang term to describe a headfirst dive.
