The correct spelling for the phrase "went town" is actually "went to town". The /t/ at the end of "went" disappears when it's followed by a word that begins with a consonant sound, like the word "to". This is a process called elision, and it's common in English. Additionally, the "to" in "to town" is pronounced with a schwa /ə/ sound, which is why the phrase might sound like "went town" to some listeners who are not familiar with English phonetics.
"Went to town" is a colloquial expression used to describe someone's action of traveling or making a visit to a nearby town or urban area. It typically implies a purposeful trip where someone ventures out to accomplish certain tasks, explore, or engage in activities available in the town.
The phrase "went to town" can be interpreted in various contexts and often denotes a sense of enthusiasm, productivity, or engagement. It implies that the person embarked on a trip with the intention of being actively involved in the affairs or offerings of the destination, rather than merely passing through or visiting casually.
The term is often associated with shopping trips, suggesting that the individual went to the town to purchase goods or take advantage of the shopping opportunities available there. Additionally, it can be used to describe someone who wanted to go to town to participate in events, entertainment, or cultural activities that are more readily accessible in urban areas.
In summary, the expression "went to town" typically denotes an intentional visit by someone to a nearby town or urban area for a specific purpose, which can vary from shopping to indulging in recreational or social activities. It conveys a sense of purposefulness and engagement, highlighting the purposeful nature of the trip.
went town does not have a specific etymology as it seems to be a combination of two separate words. Went is the past tense of the verb go, and town refers to an urban area or city. However, it is unclear what specific context you are referring to with went town.