Pronunciation: [stɹˈɪŋɡd ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
"Stringed out" is spelled with double e's in "stringed" and the past participle suffix "-ed" in "out." The first syllable is stressed, with the "i" pronounced as /ɪ/ and the "ng" pronounced as a velar nasal /ŋ/. The second syllable has a diphthong /iː/, which merges into the "e" of the suffix, pronounced as /ɛd/. Together, the word is pronounced as /ˌstrɪŋd ˈaʊt/, meaning something extended or stretched out to its limit.
"Stringed out" is a colloquial expression primarily used in informal English to describe someone who is physically or mentally exhausted, often as a result of drug use, excessive work, or prolonged stress. The term is derived from the image of a string being stretched to its limit, conveying the feeling of being worn out or depleted.
When describing a person, being "stringed out" suggests a state of extreme fatigue, both physically and mentally. It often indicates a persistent and detrimental pattern of behavior, which may include sleep deprivation, excessive stimulant use, or overexertion without adequate rest. This term is commonly associated with substance abuse, particularly with drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamines that induce hyperactivity and keep users awake for extended periods.
Furthermore, "stringed out" can also portray someone who is mentally or emotionally strained, overwhelmed, or stressed to the point of exhaustion. This can be due to excessive workloads, burdensome responsibilities, or persistent anxiety. In this context, the phrase emphasizes the feeling of being stretched too thin to the point of breaking.
Overall, "stringed out" describes a person who is physically or mentally drained, exhibiting signs of chronic exhaustion and often accompanying unhealthy behaviors. The term captures the sense of being pushed beyond one's limits, conveying the idea of being worn down like an overworked and stretched-out string.
The phrase "stringed out" is a colloquial expression typically used in American English to describe someone who is exhausted, worn out, or experiencing extreme fatigue. It is derived from the verb form "string out", which means to extend or stretch out in a thin line or a long, narrow formation.
The exact etymology of this phrase is not well-documented, but it likely originates from the imagery of a string being stretched to its limits, suggesting a person who is physically or emotionally drained. It may also draw on the sense of tension or strain that can be associated with being stretched thin, whether it's due to lack of sleep, excessive work, stress, or other factors.
In linguistic terms, "stringed out" can be considered an example of idiomatic slang, where the meaning of the phrase goes beyond the literal interpretation of its constituent words.
