How Do You Spell PIP EMMA?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪp ˈɛmə] (IPA)

The phrase "pip emma" is spelled with the letters p-i-p and e-m-m-a. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /pɪp ɛmə/. This term is British military slang, used to refer to the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. It may have originated from the early radio signal call "P.M." which stood for "post meridiem." "Pip" refers to the first stroke of a ship's bell that indicates the hour, while "emma" is the phonetic spelling of the letter M.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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PIP EMMA Meaning and Definition

  1. There is no widely recognized or established dictionary definition for the term "pip emma." It is a colloquial phrase often used in British English slang, specifically in Cockney rhyming slang. Cockney rhyming slang is an informal language used mainly in London, where words or phrases are substituted with rhyming phrases to create an alternative way of speaking.

    "Pip emma" is thought to be derived from the phrase "P.M." which is an abbreviation for "Post Meridiem" meaning "after midday" in Latin. In Cockney rhyming slang, "P.M." is substituted with "Emma" as it rhymes with "P.M." However, "pip" does not have a clear rhyme with "P.M." or "Emma."

    As such, the meaning of "pip emma" is context-dependent and subject to interpretation. In certain contexts, it might refer to the afternoon or evening, particularly in relation to time or plans. However, without more specific context, it is challenging to provide a precise definition for this phrase.

    Overall, "pip emma" is a phrase that has limited recognition outside of Cockney rhyming slang, and its meaning varies depending on the situation and context in which it is used.

Etymology of PIP EMMA

The term "pip emma" is derived from the initials "P.M". which stands for "Post Meridiem" in Latin, meaning "after midday" or "afternoon". In military timekeeping, the 24-hour clock system is used, and the hours of the afternoon are counted from 1200 to 2359. However, to avoid confusion or misinterpretation, the numbers are often replaced with phonetic words. In the case of "P.M"., it is commonly referred to as "pip emma", where "emma" represents the letter "M" phonetically. Hence, "pip emma" signifies the time referring to the afternoon or evening.