Definition of sack out

The origin of the phrase "sack out" dates back to the late 19th century in the United States. At that time, sleeping bags were made of sacks, typically of coarse canvas, and filled with materials to keep the sleeper warm. These sacks were large and heavy, making it cumbersome to sleep in them. Therefore, people began to use the word "sack" to refer to the act of sleeping inside the heavy, coarse sleeping bag. The term "sack out" emerged from this usage. The phrase "to sack out" first appeared in print in 1886 in an article in the Oakland (California) Enquirer, where it was used to describe the action of falling asleep within a heavy, coarse sleeping bag. The phrase gained popularity due to its descriptive nature, which conveyed the image of collapsing into the bulky and tangled bag, like a struggling sack of goods being emptied onto the floor. Today, the term "sack out" is still commonly used to describe the act of falling asleep quickly or exhaustedly, often with the connotation of collapsing or falling into a deep sleep. However, with advancements in modern sleep technology, sleeping bags have become lighter, more comfortable, and less cumbersome, reducing the need for this descriptive term. Nonetheless, its origins have left a lasting impact on the lexicon of English, where "sack out" is still a commonly used phrase to describe the act of succumbing to slumber.