The spelling of the word "squeg" can be confusing due to its unconventional sound. Its phonetic transcription, /skwɛɡ/, indicates that it is a blend of the sounds /sk/ and /ɛɡ/. The initial /sk/ sound is pronounced as a combination of a hissing /s/ and a hard /k/ sound, while the ending /ɛɡ/ is similar to the sound of the word "egg." When pronounced correctly, "squeg" should have a sharp and distinct sound despite its unusual spelling.
The term "squeg" is a colloquial verb that primarily originated in Australian slang culture. It is an informal expression used to describe the act of forcefully squeezing or compressing something or someone. The word is often associated with exerting pressure by means of physical force or tightness, usually resulting in a distortion or deformation of the object or individual being squeezed.
In a literal sense, "squeg" can refer to the act of tightly crushing or compressing an object, such as squeezing a stress ball or compressing dirty laundry to fit into a small bag. It generally implies a considerable amount of pressure being applied to tightly pack or reduce the volume of an item or substance.
Furthermore, "squeg" can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's emotional state or reaction. For instance, one might say they feel "squegged" when they experience overwhelming pressure or stress that causes them to feel emotionally compressed or burdened.
Although "squeg" remains predominantly an informal and slang expression, it has found its way into casual conversations and can be encountered in various contexts, including interpersonal relationships, household chores, or even psychological descriptions.