Pronunciation: [pˈɛpəɹɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "peppering" is spelled as /ˈpɛpərɪŋ/. The first syllable "pep" is pronounced as /pɛp/ with a short "e" sound and a hard "p" sound. The second syllable "per" is pronounced as /pər/ with a schwa sound and an "r" sound. The final syllable "ing" is pronounced as /ɪŋ/ with a short "i" sound and a nasal "ng" sound. This word means adding small amounts of something repeatedly, like sprinkling pepper on food.
Peppering refers to the act of scattering or sprinkling small amounts of something over a surface or an object, typically using a rapid and irregular motion. It is derived from the verb "to pepper," which means to sprinkle or dot small particles or substances across a particular area.
The term can be used in various contexts. For instance, in cooking, peppering involves adding small quantities of ground black or white pepper to season and enhance the taste of food. It is commonly done by either shaking a pepper mill or grinding pepper directly over the dish using a shaker bottle.
In a figurative sense, peppering can also describe the act of sporadically and rapidly dispersing something, such as questions, criticisms, or comments, in a conversation or discussion. This often makes the conversation lively and dynamic, as a person "peppers" the others with their thoughts, insights, or remarks in a quick and random manner.
Furthermore, peppering can refer to the action of firing a weapon, particularly when a person rapidly shoots many rounds in succession, often in a scattered or random manner. This usage is frequently seen in military or combat-related contexts.
In summary, whether it pertains to seasoning food, scattering particles, fast-firing weapons, or adding energetic contributions to a conversation, peppering represents the act of sprinkling or spreading something in a dynamic, irregular, and often quick manner.
• Hot; fiery; angry.
• A pelting with many shot or blows.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "peppering" has its etymology in the noun "pepper", which originated from the Old English word "pipor" and further back from the Latin "piper" and Greek "piperi". "Pepper" specifically referred to the spice obtained from the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant. Over time, the verb form "pepper" emerged, meaning to sprinkle or season with pepper. From there, the gerund form "peppering" came into existence, describing the action of scattering or distributing something like pepper, but in a more figurative sense, such as peppering a conversation with questions.
