How Do You Spell BLACK EYE?

Pronunciation: [blˈak ˈa͡ɪ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "black eye" is straightforward. "Black" is spelled as it sounds, with the /b/ followed by the short /æ/ vowel and the velar /k/ sound. "Eye" is also spelled phonetically, with the long /aɪ/ diphthong and the final unstressed /i/ sound. Together, "black eye" is pronounced as /blæk/ /aɪ/, with the stress on the first syllable of "black." This term refers to a bruising or discoloration around or under the eye caused by an injury.

BLACK EYE Meaning and Definition

  1. A black eye is a colloquial term that commonly refers to a bruise or discoloration of the skin surrounding the eye, caused by trauma or injury. It is typically characterized by a dark purple or blackish coloration known as ecchymosis, resulting from ruptured blood vessels beneath the skin. Black eyes often occur when the area around the eye sustains a powerful blow or force, such as a punch, fall, or accident.

    The discoloration associated with a black eye is due to the accumulation of blood and other fluids in the injured area. Immediately following the impact, blood vessels rupture, leading to bleeding and inflammation. Over time, the red blood cells break down, resulting in the characteristic dark color.

    In addition to the distinct discoloration, black eyes can be accompanied by pain, swelling, and difficulty in opening or moving the affected eye. These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the extent of the injury.

    While black eyes are typically harmless and heal naturally within a week or two, it is important to monitor the injured individual for signs of a more serious underlying condition, such as a fractured bone, orbital blowout fracture, or damage to the eye itself. Seeking medical attention is advised if there is severe pain, vision changes, persistent swelling, or if the injury was inflicted by a high-velocity force.

  2. An ecchymosis of the eyelids and surrounding parts.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for BLACK EYE

  • vlack eye
  • nlack eye
  • hlack eye
  • glack eye
  • bkack eye
  • bpack eye
  • boack eye
  • blzck eye
  • blsck eye
  • blwck eye
  • blqck eye
  • blaxk eye
  • blavk eye
  • blafk eye
  • bladk eye
  • blacj eye
  • blacm eye
  • blacl eye

Etymology of BLACK EYE

The term "black eye" originated from the combination of two words: "black" and "eye".

The word "black" can be traced back to the Old English word "blæc", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "blakkaz". It initially referred to the color black but later expanded to connote darkness, absence of light, and associated negative or unfavorable characteristics.

The word "eye" originated from the Old English word "ēage", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "augon". It refers to the organ responsible for vision.

Combining these two words, "black eye" describes a condition in which an injury or contusion causes discoloration and swelling around the eye, resulting in a dark appearance. The term likely emerged due to the noticeable visual effect of such an injury, resembling the color "black" around the "eye".

Idioms with the word BLACK EYE

  • a black eye The idiom "a black eye" refers to a physical injury in which the area around the eye becomes bruised and discolored due to an impact or blow to the face. However, it is also used as a metaphorical expression to describe a negative or harmful event that affects the reputation, credibility, or standing of a person, organization, or idea.
  • give (someone or something) a black eye The idiom "give (someone or something) a black eye" refers to causing damage, harm, or embarrassment to a person, group, or reputation. It may involve tarnishing someone's reputation, damaging their credibility, or hurting their physical well-being.
  • give a black eye to (someone or something) To "give a black eye to (someone or something)" means to cause harm, damage, or discredit to someone or something, typically by exposing their flaws, weaknesses, or bad behaviors. It figuratively refers to the act of physically striking someone and causing a visible injury such as a bruised eye.
  • give someone a black eye The idiom "give someone a black eye" typically means to cause harm or damage to someone's reputation, often through publicly exposing their wrongdoing or flaws. It can also refer to physically injuring someone's eye, resulting in the characteristic bruising known as a black eye.
  • black eye A black eye is a bruise or discoloration around the eye, typically caused by being punched or hit in the face. The idiom can also refer to a mark of shame, embarrassment, or disgrace on one's reputation or character.

Similar spelling words for BLACK EYE

Plural form of BLACK EYE is BLACK EYES

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