Gulp

Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/ɡʌlp/

Definitions

1. Verb: To swallow (liquid or food) quickly or in large amounts, often with a noisy sound.
2. Verb: To gasp or take a sudden, audible breath, usually due to surprise or shock.
3. Noun: The act of swallowing a large amount of liquid or food at once.
4. Noun: A sudden intake of air or a quick intake of liquid.

Usage Examples

• He gulped down the last of his drink in one go.
• She gulped in surprise when she heard the news.
• After the race, he took a big gulp of water.
• He couldn't help but gulp when the teacher asked him a question.

Etymology

The word "gulp" comes from the Old Norse word "gup," meaning "to drink or swallow in large mouthfuls." It has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially referring to the act of swallowing in a large, quick manner, and later extended metaphorically to describe other quick, involuntary actions like gasping.

Synonyms

• Swallow
• Guzzle
• Chug
• Inhale

Antonyms

• Sip
• Nibble
• Taste
• Chew

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the "l" sound in "gulp" is often softer than in American English, where it tends to be pronounced more clearly.
• In Australian English, the vowel sound is pronounced more like "guhl-p," with a slightly shorter "u" sound.

Historical Usage

The verb "gulp" has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to the quick swallowing of liquid. It has been part of the English language for centuries, evolving metaphorically to describe various forms of quick intake, such as a gasp or quick breath. In literature, "gulp" has often been used to represent surprise or fear, particularly when someone "gulps" in reaction to shocking news or a frightening event.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the act of gulping food or drink is often viewed as rude or impolite, especially when done in public or without the usual pauses for social interaction. However, in other contexts, such as competitive eating or drinking games, gulping is seen as a necessary skill or even a sign of prowess. The word "gulp" is also frequently used in popular culture to convey feelings of tension, shock, or excitement, often for comedic or dramatic effect.

More Information

The word "gulp" is also commonly used figuratively to express a reaction to something overwhelming or unexpected. For example, someone might "gulp" upon hearing startling news, or "gulp" when facing a challenge they find difficult. In some contexts, "gulp" is also used in idiomatic expressions, such as "gulp down" to describe consuming something quickly, or "gulp in shock" to describe a physical response to sudden fear or surprise. Additionally, "gulp" is often used in metaphors to describe the intake of information or emotions, as in "gulping down facts" or "gulping down anxiety."