The spelling of the word "tuckered" can be a bit tricky due to the silent "e" at the end. It is pronounced as /ˈtʌkərd/. The "t" is pronounced with a hard "k" sound followed by a short "u" sound, then the consonant "k" is repeated with a schwa sound until the end where the "d" is pronounced softly. The word "tuckered" is derived from the phrase "tucker out," meaning to exhaust or tire someone.
Tuckered is an adjective derived from the verb "tucker." It is used to describe someone or something that is extremely tired, exhausted, or fatigued. The word originated from American English in the mid-19th century and is commonly used in informal or colloquial contexts.
When someone is tuckered, they have exerted a significant amount of physical or mental energy, leaving them drained and in need of rest. It implies a state of weariness and low energy levels. This exhaustion can result from engaging in strenuous physical activities, working long hours, or enduring extensive mental strain.
In addition to individuals, tuckered can also describe animals or even machines. For instance, a dog that has had a busy day playing or a car that has covered a large distance might be considered tuckered. In such contexts, the term suggests that the subject is nearing the point of complete exhaustion and requires rest or rejuvenation.
Overall, tuckered is a vivid and informal way to depict a state of extreme fatigue. It is often used to portray a person or thing that has reached the limits of endurance and needs to recuperate.
The word "tuckered" is derived from the verb "tucker", which originated in the late 17th century. Its initial usage was in the sense of "to tire out" or "exhaust". The etymology of "tucker" itself is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the word "tuck", which means "to draw together or contract". The connection between "tuck" and "tucker" lies in the idea of collapsing or folding, as seen in expressions like "to tuck oneself in", meaning to wrap oneself tightly in blankets or clothing. Over time, "tucker" evolved into the phrase "tucker out", meaning to tire or weary someone thoroughly, leading to the emergence of "tuckered" as an adjective to describe someone who is exhausted or worn out.