Looking to translate an odd expression

Question

The expression is:

to have ought with someone

It gives the indication of having conflict with another and is used as a noun, more so than a verb. I'm not sure the roots of it; I haven't heard it used much.

Answer 1

Funny, I'm sure I haven't heard that in almost 20 years. Not since my grandfather passed away in my last week of college those many years ago.

I can't comment on the Spanish part of it, but can on the English roots.

It's pretty obscure, but I've heard my grandfather say it. I don't think it's really a noun, but a shortened version of "I ought to have ... with someone", But it came to be a pat phrase, and could be viewed as such.

In general, I think it means one should or could have behaved differently in a conflict

Depending on whether used aggressively or contritely, it could mean, respectively. "I ought to have knocked him in the head" or, "I ought to have been nicer"

I think it comes from conflict, just as you said, and tacitly acknowledges that conflict is often not resolved in the best way, and thus collectively refers to conflict as what ought (should) have been done.

That's my take.

As for Spanish, I have no idea. It's abstract and archaic enough in English, that I doubt there's a very direct translation.

A fine essay and a pleasure to read. You deserve more votes. My grandparents were born in the late 1800s I wish I knew more of their language! - Jubilado, Dec 5, 2012

You get my vote, but rember my greatgreat grandmother taught your great grandfather the word.. - annierats, Dec 5, 2012

Answer 2

"ought" pronouned "out" in North England can mean "something" the opposite is pronounced "nout" and means nothing.

Good point matey. - annierats, Dec 5, 2012

My gran says 'tha neer gets out fer nout. I always spelled it as awt and nawt, but Ian's spelling sounds much better. :-) - 0095ca4c, Dec 5, 2012

How about, "naught", worthless, useless. - rac1, Dec 5, 2012

Answer 3

I give you the viking roots of this:

To have it out with somebody.

This means to fight it out, to sort it, but not by talking, normally.

It is totally outdated in modern Britain .

i have heard this annie! Good interpretation. - 0095ca4c, Dec 5, 2012

Answer 4

As rogspax says the "ought" refers to an action not taken when the conflict occurred. I should have (ought to have) been nicer/hit him harder/etc. Thus I think that deber would be the verb in Spanish used to express this afterthought.

Thanks for your clarification, gringojrf. - francobollo, Dec 5, 2012

Answer 5

I have edited my response after seeing gringojrf's posting:

Estar en deuda con alguien.

Tener una obligación pendiente.

Answer 6

Teamwork does prove effective. Thanks.