gurgle etymology

Etymology and Origin:

The word "gurgle" comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "gher-" or "ghoru-", meaning "to growl."

Original Meaning:

In its original sense, "gurgle" referred to a deep, rumbling noise, typically made by water or other liquids moving through a narrow or constricted space. This gave rise to the following related terms:

  • Gargantuan: (from "gurges," Latin for "whirlpool") meaning "huge" or "monstrous."
  • Gargouille: (from the Old French "gargouille") meaning "waterspout" or "grotesque figure" often found on medieval buildings, designed to drain rainwater.

Extended Meaning:

Over time, "gurgle" expanded its meaning to include other sounds that resemble the original noise, such as:

  • The sound made when swallowing or choking on liquids.
  • The sound made by a baby when satisfied or contented.
  • The sound of air escaping from a bottle or other container.
  • The sound of a person or animal making a muffled or throaty noise.

Figurative Usage:

The figurative usage of "gurgle" often evokes a sense of contentment or tranquility, as in "the gentle gurgle of a brook." It can also be used to describe a pleasant or soothing sound, such as the "gurgle of a baby's laughter."

gurgle relate terms

  • ripple

    Etymology The word ripple is derived from the Middle English word rippel which evolv

  • babble

    Etymology The word babble is derived from the following sources Old English babel

  • bubble

    Etymology The word bubble comes from the Middle English word bulle which is believe

  • sound

    Etymology From Middle English sound from Old English sund from Proto Germanic sunðaz

  • lubber

    Etymology Middle English lobber from Old English lobb e a heavy clumsy person Pos

  • rubble

    Etymology Middle English robel rubble Old French reuble roublerie Late Latin rubeu

  • item

    Item Etymology Latin item also likewise besides Meaning A single or individ

  • time

    Etymology Old English tîma time period hour West Germanic tîmon Proto Germanic

  • mite

    Etymology The word mite comes from the Old English word mite which in turn is deriv