Galled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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galled

[ษกษ”ld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to irritate

Galled means to irritate or annoy someone. It describes a feeling of displeasure or frustration caused by someone or something.

Synonyms

anger, annoy, irritate, vex.

Examples of usage

  • Her constant complaining galled him.
  • The unfair treatment galled the employees.
  • It galls me to see such injustice.
Context #2 | Verb

to rub sore

To gall can also mean to cause a sore by rubbing, especially in relation to skin. This usage typically refers to physical irritation.

Synonyms

abrade, chafe, irritate, rub.

Examples of usage

  • The saddle galled the horse's back.
  • He had a galled spot on his foot from the new boots.
  • The rough fabric galled her skin.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Emotional galls manifest as a reaction to perceived slights or offenses, affecting relationships and self-esteem.
  • Studies suggest that persistent feelings of being galled can lead to anxiety and affect mental health if not addressed.

Literature

  • In Shakespeareโ€™s works, characters often express feelings of being galled over betrayals or unrequited love.
  • Literary figures use the concept of being galled to convey a deep sense of frustration that prompts action or change in their stories.

Social Dynamics

  • When someone feels galled, it can create tension in social situations, leading to conflicts or misunderstandings.
  • Expressing feelings of being galled can be beneficial in fostering communication and resolving issues in relationships.

Pop Culture

  • In many TV shows and movies, characters are depicted as galled when they face betrayal or dishonesty, often leading to dramatic confrontations.
  • Comedians often use the concept of being galled as a humorous element, describing petty annoyances that everyone can relate to.

Origin of 'galled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'galla,' which means 'soreness or bile,' indicating something that irritates.
  • Over time, 'galled' evolved to also describe the emotional impact of being upset or hurt by someoneโ€™s actions.

The word 'gall' has its roots in Old English 'gealla', meaning 'gall or bile'. In Middle English, it became 'gal', which typically referred to bitterness or rancor. The verb form, which evolved into 'gall', has retained the sense of irritation and annoyance from its early usage. The term was used both physically, as in causing injury or sore spots on the skin, and emotionally, to express deep annoyance or frustration. This duality in meaning has persisted into modern usage, reflecting both physical ailments and emotional states. The evolution of 'gall' illustrates the richness of the English language, where a single term can encompass both physical sensations and psychological experiences.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,689, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.