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Egged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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egged

[ɛɡd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

encourage, provoke

The term 'egged' primarily refers to the act of encouraging or inciting someone to take action, often in a mischievous or reckless manner. It is commonly used in scenarios where someone is pushed to do something they might not otherwise do, such as engaging in a dare or a risky behavior. The term can also refer to the act of throwing eggs at someone or something as a form of protest or harassment. This usage has become popular in both playful and negative contexts.

Synonyms

encourage, incite, provoke, urge.

Examples of usage

  • She egged him on to try the extreme sport.
  • The crowd egged the performer to do another stunt.
  • They were egged on by their friends to play a prank.
  • He was egged into making a rash decision.
Context #2 | Verb

throw, protest

In a more literal sense, 'egged' can denote the act of throwing eggs at a person or object, often as a form of protest, vandalism, or celebration. This type of behavior is typically associated with expressing disdain or mocking the target. It can occur during political protests, sports events, or even as part of festive activities, where throwing eggs might symbolize an act of rebellion or festive cheer.

Synonyms

hurl, launch, toss.

Examples of usage

  • The fans egged the rival team's bus during the game.
  • Students were seen egging the candidate's office in protest.
  • During the festival, people egged each other in good fun.
  • The artist's exhibit was egged by critics for its controversial themes.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Peer pressure plays a significant role in the act of egging someone on, where friends or groups can significantly influence decisions.
  • Research shows that people are more likely to take risks when supported or egged on by others, highlighting the effects of social influence on behavior.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often get 'egged on' to perform daring stunts, showing how this encouragement can lead to humorous or unexpected situations.
  • Songs and music videos sometimes use the idea of being 'egged on' to portray themes of party culture and carefree living.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters frequently encourage one another to take drastic actions, showcasing a historical precedent of egging someone on.
  • Modern literature reflects this concept through narratives where characters face moral dilemmas influenced by the people around them.

Language Use

  • The phrase 'to egg someone on' is often used in informal English, showcasing the colorful and playful nature of the language.
  • Regional variations may exist; for instance, in British slang, 'to spur' someone also conveys a similar meaning to egging them on.

Origin of 'egged'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'egged on' originated in the early 20th century, possibly linked to the idea of 'egging' someone forward like you would a hen to lay eggs.
  • The use of 'egg' to refer to encouragement may relate to the fragility of eggs, symbolizing how delicate a person's decision might be when pressured.

The word 'egg' derives from the Old English 'æg,' which traces back to the Proto-Germanic '*ajja' and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European '*ajō,' meaning 'to lay eggs.' The figurative use of the word 'egged' evolved to signify the act of enticing, which likely emerged from the cultural and social practices of encouraging certain behaviors, similar to how eggs represent beginning and potential in various cultures. The slang use of 'egging on' has been documented in English since the late 19th century, meaning to spur someone to action. This duality of meaning, both literal and metaphorical, reflects the rich tapestry of English's evolution, blending playful and serious contexts into a versatile term.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,071 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.