The correct spelling of the phrase "whites out" is "wipes out." This is because "whites" is not a verb, whereas "wipes" is. To pronounce "wipes out" correctly in IPA phonetic transcription, it would be /waɪps ʌt/. The "w" is pronounced as a voiced labial-velar approximant, the "i" is pronounced as a diphthong with the letters "aɪ," the "p" is pronounced as an unvoiced bilabial plosive, the "s" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar fricative, the "u" is pronounced as a short vowel, and the "t" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar plosive.
"Whites out" is an idiomatic expression that typically refers to the weather phenomenon of a white-out, occurring in cold and snowy conditions, where visibility is severely reduced or completely obliterated due to a stark contrast between the whiteness of the surroundings (such as snow-covered landscapes) and the lack of color variation. This term is often used to describe situations when one's visual perception becomes temporarily impaired, hindering their ability to see and distinguish objects or landmarks in their environment.
The phrase can also be employed metaphorically to describe a situation in which clarity or understanding is lost, similar to the weather condition that causes a loss of visibility. In this context, "whiting out" refers to becoming overwhelmed or confused, resulting in a mental state where important details or information become obscured or indistinct.
Often associated with blizzard-like conditions, a white-out can pose various safety risks, such as disorientation, stumbling, or getting lost. To mitigate these risks, it is advised to wait for the visibility to improve or to rely on navigational aids, such as compasses or maps, as necessary.
Overall, "whites out" describes either a meteorological condition where visibility drops drastically due to a lack of contrast amidst snowy surroundings, or a metaphorical state where comprehension or clarity becomes impaired, signifying a temporary loss of understanding or focus.
The term "whites out" does not have a specific etymology, as it is not a widely recognized or established word or phrase. It appears to be derived from the more common idiom "blacked out", which refers to losing consciousness or memory. In this context, "whites out" may be used humorously or creatively to describe a similar situation where someone is momentarily dazzled or blinded by something bright, such as a camera flash or sudden burst of light. However, it is not a widely used expression in the English language, so it lacks a definitive etymology.