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Butted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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butted

[bʌtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical confrontation

Butted refers to the act of pushing or hitting something with the head or horns. It is often used to describe actions of animals, especially in a contest of strength or dominance.

Synonyms

bumped, nudged, pushed.

Examples of usage

  • The goat butted the fence stubbornly.
  • He butted heads with his opponent during the debate.
  • The bull butted against the gate, trying to escape.
  • The dog butted its head into my hand, seeking attention.
Context #2 | Verb

argument or conflict

In informal contexts, butted can refer to someone interrupting or intruding into a conversation or situation, usually in a forceful or abrupt manner.

Synonyms

interrupted, intruded, invaded.

Examples of usage

  • She butted in during the meeting, which annoyed everyone.
  • He always butts into our discussions.
  • Stop butting your way into other people's business.
  • They butted heads during the project planning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Many animals, like rams and goats, use butting to establish dominance and communicate messages within their groups.
  • In the wild, butting behavior can serve as a defense mechanism against predators.

Sports

  • In contact sports, players often butt heads during tackles or scrums, which can lead to risks of head injuries.
  • The technique of tackling, where players butt their bodies together, plays a strategic role in team games.

Cultural References

  • In the 1980s, a popular comedy named 'Butthead' played with this word in a humorous way, linking it to silly antics.
  • The term has frequently appeared in cartoons and animations, depicting comical characters butting into situations.

Psychology

  • Butting in conversations can signify a person's eagerness or urgency, but it may also lead to misunderstandings.
  • Research shows that people who often butt in line (socially or literally) may struggle with patience or impulse control.

Origin of 'butted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English term 'buttian', meaning to sharpen or thrust.
  • It has evolved through Middle English, where it was used to describe a bumping action.

The word 'butt' in its verb form has roots in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'butte', meaning to thrust or push. Its usage has evolved over time, initially denoting a physical action involving a striking movement, often associated with animals. The term is also related to the act of head-butting, which is a method of aggression or display of dominance seen in various animal species. The extension of 'butt' to colloquial uses in the context of interrupting conversation or disputes illustrates the flexibility of language, as it adapts to social dynamics and interpersonal interactions. This versatility has allowed the word to remain relevant and widely used in contemporary English.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,563, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.