The phrase "turning scarlet" is pronounced as /ˈtɜrnɪŋ ˈskɑːrlɪt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word has several unique features. Firstly, the "turning" part of the phrase uses the "r-controlled vowel" sound /ɜr/, which is common in American English accents. Secondly, the "scarlet" part uses the "open front unrounded vowel" sound /ɑː/, which gives it a distinct short "a" sound. Overall, the spelling emphasizes the distinctness of each vowel sound in the phrase.
"Turning scarlet" refers to a physical change in color experienced by an individual's face, generally due to embarrassment, shame, or intense emotional arousal. The phrase implies a sudden and noticeable alteration in one's facial complexion, where the skin becomes visibly redder and appears to take on a shade resembling the bright red color of scarlet.
When a person turns scarlet, their face becomes flushed and the redness spreads, typically starting from the cheeks and extending to other areas such as the neck and ears. This reaction is triggered by a rush of blood to the capillaries near the skin's surface, caused by the release of stress hormones like adrenaline or an increase in blood flow due to heightened emotions. It often occurs in response to situations that evoke strong feelings of embarrassment, such as public speaking, being caught in an embarrassing or awkward situation, or receiving unexpected attention.
This phrase is commonly used in literary contexts to vividly depict the intense emotional state of a character, emphasizing their embarrassment or emotional turmoil. It serves as a metaphorical representation of an individual's inner emotional turmoil or psychological state being externally manifested on their face. The phrase "turning scarlet" captures the immediacy and intensity of the visual impact of this change in complexion, creating a vivid mental image and serving as a powerful tool for writers to convey complex emotions.
The phrase "turning scarlet" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words with their own origins.
The word "turning" is the present participle of the verb "to turn", which comes from the Old English word "turnian". The Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "turnōną", meaning "to turn, twist".
On the other hand, "scarlet" refers to a bright red color, often associated with intense or vivid hues. The word "scarlet" has its roots in the Old French term "escrelate" or "escarlate", which originated from the Medieval Latin word "scarlata". This Latin term likely stems from the Persian word "sāqalāt", indicating a type of brightly colored or crimson fabric.