The word "wipe outs" refers to falls or crashes, especially in surfing or skateboarding. Phonetically, it is spelled /waɪp aʊts/. The first syllable is pronounced like "why," the second syllable is pronounced like the word "out," and the final syllable is pronounced with a glottal stop, a brief pause in the airflow. The spelling accurately reflects the sounds in the word, and understanding this pronunciation can help with both spelling and comprehension.
Wipe outs refers to the act or occurrence of abruptly falling or being thrown to the ground, typically resulting in a loss of control and causing injury or damage. It is a term widely used in sports, especially those involving boardsports or activities in which balance and coordination are crucial, such as surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, or skiing.
In the context of water sports, wipe outs usually happen when a surfer or a bodyboarder falls off their board or is forcefully knocked off by a powerful wave. These wipe outs can often be intense and dramatic, involving being tossed around by waves, crashing into the water surface, or being trapped underwater momentarily. Such wipe outs can be physically dangerous, causing injuries and the risk of drowning.
Similarly, in the world of skateboarding or other balance-based sports, wipe outs refer to the sudden loss of control that leads to a fall or collision with obstacles present in the environment. Wipe outs can occur due to misjudgments, inexperienced maneuvers, or unexpected bumps or barriers.
While wipe outs are generally associated with negative outcomes, they are also a common and sometimes expected aspect of these sports. Athletes improve their skills by learning from wipe outs, adapting their techniques, and using protective equipment to minimize the risks of serious injuries. Additionally, wipe outs can provide entertainment and laughter, particularly when shared with others, as long as no harm is caused.
The term "wipe out" originated in the 1960s and has its roots in surfing culture. It was initially used to describe the act of falling off a surfboard or getting completely knocked off by a wave, resulting in a complete loss of control. The term gained popularity through the Beach Boys' hit song "Surfin' U.S.A". released in 1963, which featured the lyrics "They're twistin', twistin' out in California / They're twistin', man, twistin' U.S.A. / They're twistin' in L.A. / They're twistin' in the USA / They're twistin' in L.A. / They're twistin' USA, then doin' the Surfin' U.S.A". The song helped popularize the surfing lingo, including the term "wipe out", among a broader audience.