Definition of the word gum up

The origin of the phrase "gum up" can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when it was first used in a literal sense to describe the thick, sticky substances that could clog machines or equipment. "Gum" itself is an old English word meaning a viscous substance obtained from certain plants or trees, such as mastic or veneer. The adjective "gummy" also comes from this root. The word "gum" was initially used in the context of scoring machines in the printing industry. The gum used to attach printing plates to rollers could sometimes become too thick and sticky, causing the rollers to become clogged and the machines to malfunction. This led to the phrase "gum up" being used to describe this scenario, meaning to clog or obstruct with a thick, sticky substance. As the phrase became more widely used, it began to apply to other contexts where efficiency and productivity could be hindered by a thick or sticky substance. Today, the term "gum up" is commonly used in a figurative sense to describe a situation that has become too complicated or congested, where progress is impeded by delays, inefficiencies, or other obstacles. The literal meaning of the word has not been forgotten, however, and can still be used in technical contexts to describe the clogging or malfunctioning of equipment. In summary, the origin of the phrase "gum up" lies in the viscous substances used to attach printing plates to machines during the Industrial Revolution, and its figurative usage has evolved to describe a wide range of situations in which progress and productivity are hindered.