Pronunciation: [tˈə͡ʊld sˈiːkɹət] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "told secret" refers to an action where someone discloses information that they were supposed to keep hidden or private. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "told secret" would be /toʊld ˈsiːkrət/. The "o" in "told" is pronounced as a long vowel sound /oʊ/ while the "e" in "secret" is pronounced as a long vowel sound /iː/. The stress is on the second syllable of "secret" /siːkrət/.
A "told secret" refers to confidential information that has been revealed or disclosed to someone else, breaking the promise of maintaining its secrecy. It typically involves sharing personal or sensitive facts, details, or plans with another individual, disregarding any agreements or expectations to keep the information confidential.
The term "told secret" implies a breach of trust and confidentiality. It signifies that the information was intentionally shared or conveyed to another person, potentially leading to unwanted consequences or negative implications for the person who entrusted it. By disclosing a secret, the person who is told the secret becomes aware of information that was meant to be kept hidden, potentially endangering the reputation, privacy, or well-being of the person to whom the secret pertains.
When a secret is "told," it suggests a lack of discretion, respect, or loyalty on the part of the person who discloses it. The act of sharing a secret may occur due to various reasons, such as personal gain, a desire to manipulate others, or simply a disregard for the consequences it may have. Regardless of the motives, divulging a told secret often tarnishes relationships, erodes trust, and may lead to significant repercussions for both the secret holder and the person who disclosed it.
The word "told secret" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two English words. However, let's look at the origins of these individual words:
1. Told: The term "told" is the past participle of the verb "to tell", which dates back to the Old English word "tellan". It has Germanic roots and can be traced to the Proto-Germanic word "taljanan", meaning "to mention" or "to recount".
2. Secret: The word "secret" comes from the Latin word "secretus", which means "hidden" or "separate". It entered Middle English from the Old French word "secret" with the same meaning. The Latin term derives from the past participle of "secernere", which means "to separate" or "to set apart".
