Pronunciation: [lˈɪvd ðə ɡˈʌtə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "lived the gutter" can be confusing as it is often spelled with a double "v" instead of a "w", as in "livved". However, the correct spelling is with a single "v" and a "w" as in "lived". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /lɪvd/. The "i" represents the short "i" sound, the "v" represents the voiced labiodental fricative, and the "d" represents the voiced alveolar stop.
The phrase "lived in the gutter" typically refers to a metaphorical state of extreme poverty, destitution, or social degradation. It conveys the notion of residing or existing in the lowest and most undesirable conditions within society. The expression draws inspiration from the literal interpretation of a gutter, which is the trough-like channel built along the edges of streets to carry away rainwater or other debris. Conceptually, the gutter represents a place of filth, waste, and marginalization.
When applied metaphorically, "lived in the gutter" describes a person's or a group's existence in a state of extreme hardship, with limited access to basic necessities such as housing, food, or even dignified human interaction. It often implies that the individual or group has been abandoned or overlooked by society, left to fend for themselves amidst abject poverty, crime, or addiction.
The phrase can also be used figuratively to describe a person's moral or ethical standing, indicating that they engage in lowly or dishonorable behavior. In such cases, "living in the gutter" suggests a lack of integrity, decency, or moral standards.
Overall, "lived in the gutter" symbolizes the most deplorable living conditions, either in a material, social, or moral sense. It emphasizes the extreme deprivation and marginalization experienced by those consigned to such a state, emphasizing the need for understanding, compassion, and societal intervention to address the underlying issues contributing to their situation.
