How Do You Spell SPOON FEED?

Pronunciation: [spˈuːn fˈiːd] (IPA)

The phrase "spoon feed" is spelled with two separate words; "spoon", pronounced /spuːn/, and "feed", pronounced /fiːd/. The phonetic transcription for "spoon" is /spuːn/, with the first part being a voiceless bilabial stop, the second part being a high back rounded vowel, and the final part being an alveolar nasalsound. "Feed" is pronounced /fiːd/, with the first part pronounced as a high front rounded vowel, and the second part being a voiced dental fricative. Together, these words create the phrase "spoon feed", meaning to provide information or assistance in a way that is easy or beneath one's abilities.

SPOON FEED Meaning and Definition

1. The term "spoon feed" is an idiomatic expression that originated from the literal act of feeding someone using a spoon. When applied metaphorically, it refers to the act of providing excessive or unnecessary assistance or guidance to someone, often resulting in the person becoming dependent or lacking in self-sufficiency. It implies that the individual being "spoon fed" is given information or solutions in a simplified and easily digestible manner, without having to engage their critical thinking or problem-solving skills.

   "Spoon feed" can also be used to describe the act of excessively or excessively providing someone with information, typically in an educational context. In this sense, it refers to the act of giving someone detailed or uncomplicated information without encouraging independent research or analysis.

   Furthermore, the term can be used in a negative sense to criticize the actions of individuals or systems that cater to someone's every need or desire without them having to make any effort. It suggests that the individual receiving this excessive support is being treated like a child who is unfamiliar with handling responsibilities or making decisions.

   In summary, "spoon feed" is a figurative expression that denotes providing excessive or unnecessary assistance, guidance, or information to someone, leading to their decreased self-sufficiency, lack of critical thinking, or dependence on others.

Etymology of SPOON FEED

The word "spoon-feed" originated from the combination of two separate words: "spoon" and "feed".

The term "spoon" derives from the Old English word "spōn", which referred to a utensil with a shallow bowl and a handle used for eating or serving food. This word has origins in Germanic languages and is related to similar words in Old Norse and Middle Dutch.

Likewise, the word "feed" comes from the Old English word "fēdan", meaning "to nourish" or "to give food to". It has cognates in other Germanic languages like German ("füttern") and Dutch ("voeden").

Combining the two words, "spoon feed" metaphorically refers to the act of feeding someone in a way that requires minimal effort from them, similar to how a baby is fed with a spoon.