Etymology Possibly from a blend of splash + surge, originally US. According to the OED, onomatopoeic.
1
Ambitransitive, Informal To (cause to) gush; to flow or move in a rush.
The tomato sauce was splurged all over the chips.
But the steamboats come in their time ; and I am sure that I address a large crowd of sympathizing auditors, now that I come to speak of the magnificent old "Fanny," spluttering and paddling, and splurging up to the little wharf under the lea of Peppers Hill, where the pine wood lay piled in fabulous quantities.1884, Donald Grant Mitchell, Bound Together, A Sheaf of Papers/Norwich, 1659-1859, Norwich:
2 more examples
She waited a moment, quivering with the expectation of her husband's answer; then, as none came except the silent darkening of his face, she walked to the door and turned round to fling back: "Of course you can do what you like with your own house, and make any arrangements that suit your family, without consulting me; but you needn't think I'm ever going back to live in that stuffy little hole, with Hubert and his wife splurging round on top of our heads!"1913, Edith Wharton, “Chapter XXXVIII”, in The Custom of the Country:
"And boy," he splurged, "we are filming a peach, a pip and a wow! Is it a knockout? Oh, baby! A prize-fight picture entitled 'The Honor of the Champion,' starring Reginald Van Veer, with Honey Precious for the herowine. Boy, will it pack the theayters!"1930, Robert E. Howard, Sailors' Grudge:
2
Ambitransitive, Informal To spend lavishly or extravagantly, especially money.
They decided to splurge on the biggest banana split for dessert.
I could see Schultz think, and revive, and splurge with his bets again.1912, Jack London, The House of Pride:
1 more example
Fans flew across the country, stayed in hotels, ate meals out, and splurged on everything from sweatshirts to limited-edition vinyl, with the average Eras attendee reportedly spending nearly $1,300.2023 December 6, Sam Lansky, “Person of Year 2023 : Taylor Swift”, in Time, archived from the original on 06 Dec 2023:
3
Informal To produce an extravagant or ostentatious display.
splurge
noun
Etymology Possibly from a blend of splash + surge, originally US. According to the OED, onomatopoeic.