Pronunciation: [dˈaʃ dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA) 
The phrase "dash down" is spelled with the same letters as its pronunciation in IPA: /dæʃ daʊn/. The first syllable "dash" is pronounced with the vowel sound in "cat" (short a) followed by the voiceless consonant "sh." The second syllable "down" features the diphthong sound "aw" (as in "cow") followed by the voiced consonant "n." This phrase often conveys the action of quickly writing or typing something down in a hurried manner.
Dash down is a phrasal verb that consists of the verb "dash" and the particle "down." It refers to the act of moving quickly or hurriedly from a higher location or level to a lower one. The term "dash" implies a rapid, energetic, and often uncontrolled movement, while "down" indicates the direction of the movement towards a lower position.
In a literal sense, to dash down may involve descending quickly or abruptly by running, jumping, or leaping downward. For instance, a person may dash down a flight of stairs or dash down a hillside. This phrasal verb can also be used metaphorically, describing the swift action of recording or writing something hastily. In such a context, it pertains to the act of jotting down notes or ideas in a rush or without much deliberation, often to ensure that crucial information or thoughts are captured before they are forgotten.
The term "dash down" emphasizes both the speed and abruptness of the movement or action being performed. It conveys a sense of urgency or a need for immediate action, whether it involves physically descending or quickly writing something down. The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as describing physical movements, note-taking in meetings or lectures, or even hurriedly writing a message or phone number.
The term "dash down" is not a widely recognized term in English, so it does not have a specific etymology. However, when examining the individual words "dash" and "down", we can explore their origins:
- Dash: The word "dash" dates back to the 14th century and was derived from the Middle French word "dachier", meaning "to throw violently". It has a Germanic origin, possibly related to the Old Norse word "dasask", which means "to fall down". Over time, "dash" has come to mean to move quickly or forcefully, often with an abrupt stop.
- Down: The term "down" has multiple origins. It can be traced back to the Old English word "dūn", meaning "hill", suggesting a physical downward movement. It can also be related to the Middle English word "doun", which means "from a higher to a lower place".
