The phrase "turn yellow" consists of two words with straightforward spellings. "Turn" is spelled like it sounds, with the /t/ sound followed by the long /ur/ vowel sound and the consonant /n/. "Yellow" has a silent /w/ followed by the /y/ sound, similar to the /ee/ sound in "bee." The /l/ sound is pronounced in the middle, and the final sound is represented by the letter "ow." The IPA transcription for "turn yellow" is /tɝn ˈjɛloʊ/.
The phrase "turn yellow" refers to the process or act of changing color, specifically transitioning from one hue to a yellow shade. It often describes the alteration observed in objects, substances, or phenomena, where their original color shifts to a bright or pale yellow tone.
This phenomenon commonly occurs due to various factors, such as chemical reactions, exposure to light, or natural aging processes. For instance, when certain fruits, vegetables, or leaves mature or ripen, they gradually transform from their original green, red, or other hues to a vibrant or muted yellow color. Additionally, certain materials, notably paper or fabric, might undergo discoloration over time, resulting in a yellowish tint.
Moreover, the term "turn yellow" can be applied metaphorically to depict emotional or physiological changes. In this context, it generally refers to a shift towards fear, cowardice, or anxiety. For instance, someone who initially displayed courage or confidence might gradually "turn yellow" in the face of a challenging situation or danger.
Overall, "turn yellow" signifies the process of going from a different color to a yellow shade. Whether it pertains to physical objects or abstract states, this transformation serves to denote a change in appearance, condition, or emotional state, characterized by the adoption of a yellowish tone.
The phrase "turn yellow" does not have a specific etymology as it is just a combination of two words. "Turn" refers to the act of changing or altering, while "yellow" refers to the color. However, the individual words do have individual etymologies:
"Turn" comes from the Old English word "turnian", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "turnōną". It has roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "deru", meaning "to be firm" or "solid".
"Yellow" comes from the Old English word "geolu", which also evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "gelwaz". This word, in turn, is derived from the Proto-Indo-European word "ghel", meaning "bright" or "gleaming".
When combined, "turn yellow" generally refers to the act of something changing from its original color to a yellow hue.