What does it mean when someone says it stings you Meaning and Definition
What does it mean when someone says it stings you
Pronunciation
/ˌhwɒtˈdzɪzˌɪnʔəˈsɑmˌstɑŋsˈju/
Part of Speech
Idiomatic expression
Definition
An idiomatic expression that means something has caused emotional pain or hurt, often used to describe a situation where someone’s words or actions have had a negative impact.
Examples
- Her words stung when she told me I wasn’t good enough.
- It stung when I saw my friend with my ex-partner.
Additional Information
When someone says “it stings,” they’re often expressing a sense of emotional pain or hurt. This phrase can be used in various situations, such as when someone’s words have caused offense, when a rejection or disappointment has occurred, or when a sensitive topic has been brought up. The phrase “it stings” can be a way of acknowledging the emotional impact of an event or situation without necessarily expressing anger or resentment.
In some cases, the phrase “it stings” can also be used to describe a physical sensation, such as the pain or discomfort caused by an insect sting or a minor injury. However, in idiomatic expressions, the phrase is often used figuratively to convey emotional pain rather than physical discomfort.
The phrase “it stings” can also be used to describe a situation where someone’s pride has been hurt or their ego has been bruised. For example, someone might say “it stings to lose to their rival” or “it stings to be rejected by someone they liked.” In such cases, the phrase is used to express the emotional impact of the situation rather than the physical sensation of pain.
Etiology
The origin of the phrase “it stings” is unclear, but it’s likely related to the physical sensation of being stung by an insect. The phrase has been in use since at least the 15th century, when it was used to describe the pain caused by a bee or wasp sting. Over time, the phrase has evolved to include idiomatic expressions, where it’s used to describe emotional pain or hurt.
Usage Notes
The phrase “it stings” can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the context. In formal situations, it’s often used to describe a more serious or significant emotional impact, such as the pain caused by a betrayal or a loss. In informal situations, the phrase might be used more lightly to describe a minor annoyance or disappointment.
Cultural References
The phrase “it stings” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase is used in the song “It Stings” by the band Foo Fighters, where it’s used to describe the emotional pain of a breakup.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “It hurts to think about it”
- “It’s a sore spot”
- “It’s a painful memory”
Related Words or Phrases
- “It hurts”
- “I’m in pain”
- “I’m feeling down”
Collocations
- “It stings to admit”
- “It stings to hear”
- “It stings to remember”
Frequency of Use
The phrase “it stings” is moderately common in modern language, used in both spoken and written communication. It’s often used in everyday conversation, particularly in informal settings.
Common Misspellings
- “it stings to me”
- “it stinks to me”
- “it stings me”