- "My phone is running out of juice."
juice (2)
noun; other word formation type Semantic change and an example of polysemy.
Amount of power or battery in an electronic device like a smartphone or computer. Refers specifically to battery power remaining. Seemingly created from metaphor of juice as sustenance for someone's energy. This now refers to energy that an electronic device contains. Usually in terms of needing a recharge or on the verge of losing power.
Etymology : From Old French word jus "juice, sap, liquid" and Latin ius "broth, sauce, juice" from PIE root *yeue "to blend, mix food". In the 1800s, was used as a synonym for liquor, then became synonymous with electricity. The use of juice in regards to electricity in 1896 could begin to explain how we now use juice as a way to explain our battery power.
Source : Suitemate, Rice University, October 18, 2013
Last modified: 27 November 2013