The spelling of the word "toughs" may seem confusing, but it follows a consistent pattern of silent letters in English. The IPA phonetic transcription for "toughs" is /tʌfs/. The "gh" in "toughs" is silent, while the "ou" creates a diphthong sound /ʌ/. This is similar to the word "enough" (/ɪˈnʌf/), where the "gh" is also silent and the "ou" creates a diphthong. Remembering this pattern can make spelling of similar words easier in the future.
Toughs, as a noun, refers to individuals who are known for their physical strength, aggressiveness, or a tendency to engage in violent behavior. These individuals typically exhibit a rough and intimidating exterior that is often accompanied by a fearless or defiant attitude. Often associated with urban settings or certain subcultures, toughs may be recognized for their involvement in street fights, conflict resolution through physical means, or participation in criminal activities.
The word toughs originates from the English language in the early 19th century and is commonly used to describe individuals who possess a certain level of resilience and endurance. A person who is described as a tough is often believed to be able to withstand physical or emotional pain without breaking or succumbing to weakness.
In popular culture, toughs are frequently portrayed as unsophisticated or lacking in refinement, often displaying a disregard for authority or societal norms. However, it should be noted that the term toughs can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the context in which it is applied. While toughness can connote bravery and strength, it can also imply a tendency towards violence or aggression. Ultimately, the meaning of the term toughs may vary depending on the context, emphasizing the importance of considering the overall context in which it is used.
* 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 "toughs" originally derives from the noun "tough", which dates back to the mid-17th century. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "togh", meaning "difficult" or "hard". Over time, "tough" developed the connotation of being strong, resilient, or rugged. "Toughs" is the plural form of "tough", typically used to refer to a group of strong or aggressive individuals.