How Do You Spell PURSY?

Pronunciation: [pˈɜːsi] (IPA)

The word "pursy" is an adjective used to describe someone who is short of breath, often due to being overweight or out of shape. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈpɜːsi/, where the "u" sound is represented by the IPA symbol "ɜː" and the "s" sound is represented by the symbol "s". The spelling of this word can be somewhat confusing, as its pronunciation does not exactly match up with its spelling. Nonetheless, "pursy" remains a useful term for describing someone who is gasping for breath.

PURSY Meaning and Definition

1. Pursy is an adjective that is used to describe a person or animal that is short-winded or breathless, especially due to being overweight or out of shape. It is commonly used to depict someone who is huffing and puffing after exerting themselves physically or undertaking activities that require physical effort. The term is derived from the word "purse," which refers to a small bag or pouch, often used to carry money or personal belongings. This connection can be attributed to the resemblance between the sound of a person's heavy breathing and the act of blowing into a small bag, causing it to inflate.

   The term pursy can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who appears pompous, self-important, or excessively proud, similar to the inflated state of a purse. It implies that the person carries themselves with an arrogant or haughty demeanor, often boasting about their accomplishments or status. In this context, pursy suggests a sense of being overly full of oneself or exhibiting an attitude of superiority.

   Overall, pursy characterizes both physical and behavioral traits, depicting someone who is either physically out of breath or egotistical in nature. Its usage may vary depending on the specific context, but it generally conveys the idea of someone who is panting or puffed up with self-importance.

2. Corpulent and short-winded; puffy; bloated.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PURSY

• oursy
• lursy
• -ursy
• 0ursy
• pyrsy
• phrsy
• pjrsy
• pirsy
• p8rsy
• p7rsy
• puesy
• pudsy
• pufsy
• putsy
• pu5sy
• pu4sy
• purzy
• purxy
• purdy

Etymology of PURSY

The word "pursy" comes from Middle English "pursi", which is derived from the Old French word "porcif" or "porcin", meaning "pig-like" or "swollen as a pig". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "porcus", meaning "pig". In its original usage, "pursy" described someone who was short of breath or had difficulty breathing, as if they were bloated like a pig. Over time, the meaning of "pursy" expanded to refer to someone who is short-winded, easily out of breath, or even plump and portly.

Similar spelling words for PURSY

• purse,
• purkey,
• pursue,
• purus.