The spelling of the word "squat" is often confusing, as its pronunciation doesn't necessarily match its letters. In IPA phonetic transcription, "squat" is pronounced /skwɒt/. The "s" is pronounced like "sk," and the "a" is pronounced as a short "o." The "u" is silent, but the following "a" serves an important purpose in indicating the short vowel sound. The "t" is pronounced as a stop, with a slight puff of air coming out of the mouth. Overall, "squat" is a word with a unique spelling and pronunciation that can trip up non-native English speakers.
The term "squat" can be used as a noun or a verb, and its meanings vary depending on the context. As a verb, "squat" commonly refers to the action of crouching or sitting with one's knees bent close to the body and the buttocks resting on the heels or a low surface. It can also describe the act of occupying a space or property without permission or legal right, especially when referring to an abandoned building or vacant land.
In the fitness domain, "squat" pertains to a specific exercise that targets various muscle groups, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise involves standing with feet shoulder-width apart, lowering one's body by bending the knees and hips, until the thighs are parallel to the floor or lower, and then returning to the initial upright position.
As a noun, "squat" refers to a type of exercise or physical position, usually with the same definition as the verb form. It can also denote a small, low or cramped structure, often used as housing, storage, or toilets in informal settlements or camps. In the legal realm, "squat" refers to a person who unlawfully occupies a property, usually abandoned or foreclosed, without the owner's consent.
Overall, the term "squat" encompasses various connotations, including physical actions, exercise techniques, forms of occupation, and architectural structures.
• Short and thick.
• To bruise or make flat by letting fall; to sit or cower down; to stoop or lie close to escape observation; to settle on new lands without a title.
• Sitting on the hams or heels; sitting close to the ground; cowering; short and thick, like an animal cowering.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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 "squat" has a somewhat complex etymology. It originated from the Old French word "esquatir", meaning "press down, flatten". This Old French term was derived from the Vulgar Latin word "exquassare", which evolved from the Latin word "exquassare". The Latin word "exquassare" is a combination of the prefix "ex-" (meaning "out") and the verb "quassare" (meaning "shatter, break into pieces").
Over time, the meanings of the word "squat" shifted and expanded. In Middle English, it began to refer to crouching or sitting low, specifically on the hams or heels, which is the common meaning we associate with the word today. This sense of "squat" emerged in the 15th century.