"Talked nonsense" is spelled /tɔkt nɒnsəns/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "talked," is pronounced with the open-mid back rounded vowel /ɔ/, and the second syllable, "nonsense," is pronounced with the open front unrounded vowel /ɒ/. The final syllable, "-s," indicates a plural noun, and the schwa sound /ə/ is used to facilitate the transition between the consonant and the vowel sounds in the middle of the word. Overall, the spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of this phrase in English.
The phrase "talked nonsense" refers to the act of speaking absurd or irrational statements that lack any logical or factual basis. It implies an utterance or conversation that lacks reason, coherence, or credibility. When someone talks nonsense, they are expressing ideas, opinions, or information that are illogical, foolish, or deceptive.
Talking nonsense often involves making statements that are contradictory, nonsensical, or incoherent. It can include using words or phrases that do not make sense in the context of the conversation or making unfounded or exaggerated claims without any evidence or rationale. The intent behind talking nonsense can vary, ranging from unintentional mistakes or confusion to deliberate attempts to deceive, confuse, or mislead others.
This phrase is commonly used to criticize or dismiss someone's speech as meaningless or absurd. It implies that the person's statements lack substance, intelligence, or relevance. The term "talked nonsense" can be used in various contexts, such as in informal conversations, debates, arguments, or even professional settings. It highlights the absence of rational or logical thinking in one's speech, conveying a sense of disbelief or disregard for the ideas being expressed. In summary, talking nonsense refers to the act of speaking or expressing ideas that are irrational, illogical, absurd, or lacking any factual basis.
The term "talked nonsense" consists of two main components with their respective etymologies:
1. Talked: The verb "talk" can be traced back to the Old English word "tacan" or "tæcan" which meant "to speak, converse, or utter words". It derived from the Proto-Germanic word "talkōną", meaning "to speak, chatter" or "have a thriving language". This eventually evolved into "talk" in Middle English and has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history.
2. Nonsense: The word "nonsense" originated from the combination of "non", meaning "not", and "sense", referring to a faculty of understanding or awareness. "Sense" itself came from the Latin "sensus", which means "perception or feeling".