The word "tubthumpings" may seem like a complex and confusing term, but its spelling can actually be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "tub", is spelled with the IPA symbol /tʌb/, which indicates a short "u" sound followed by a "b" sound. The second syllable, "thump", is spelled with the symbols /θʌmp/, representing a "th" sound followed by a short "u" sound and a "p" sound. Finally, "ings" is spelled with the symbol /ɪŋz/, indicating a "ng" sound and a "z" sound. Altogether, "tubthumpings" is spelled as /tʌbθʌmpɪŋz/.
The word "tubthumping" is derived from the term "tub-thumper". The exact origins are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in British English in the early 19th century.
The term "tub-thumper" originally referred to a person who thumped or struck a tub or drum as part of a demonstration or political gathering. It was commonly associated with radical or populist speakers who passionately advocated for their cause. The drumming or thumping on a tub was used to grab attention and create a sense of fervor.
Over time, "tub-thumper" evolved into a more general term for any speaker or orator who passionately promotes a cause, often with little regard for subtlety or nuance. "Tubthumping" is the gerund form of the verb "tubthump", which means to speak or argue fervently for a cause.