fourscore: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fourscore’ mean?
The idiom fourscore means eighty. It is often used in a historical or formal context, harkening back to the language used in the Gettysburg Address where Abraham Lincoln famously described "four score and seven years ago" referring to eighty-seven years.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "know the score" means to understand and be aware of the situation or the facts.
The idiom "grand total" means the final sum or amount, usually of a series of numbers or quantities, representing the total or overall result.
The idiom "go off at score" means to become very angry or upset about something.
The idiom "full marks" means giving someone the highest possible score or recognition for their performance or achievement.
The idiom "fourth-rate" refers to something that is of very low quality or standard, often used to describe a person, product, or organization that is considered inferior or subpar.
The idiom "fourth gear" means to be operating at a high level of efficiency, productivity, or speed.
The idiom "four sheets to the wind" means to be extremely drunk or intoxicated, usually referring to someone who has consumed a large amount of alcohol. The number "four" suggests a high level of inebriation. This expression likely originates from sailing terminology, where a loose or flapping sail is said to be "in the wind."
The idiom "four score and seven years ago" refers to a period of 87 years. It is commonly associated with Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, where he used this phrase to refer to the time that had passed since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
"Forty winks" is an idiom that refers to taking a short nap or getting some quick sleep, typically for a short period of time, often in the daytime. It emphasizes the brief duration of the sleep and conveys the idea of getting a quick rest or rejuvenating pause.
Time's Tapestry
Fourscore is an idiom commonly used in the English language. It means eighty, and is often used in historical or formal contexts. The term originates from the Old English word "fēower score," which combines "fēower" meaning four and "score" meaning twenty.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the term comes from the Bible, specifically in Psalm 90:10, which states, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." In this passage, fourscore is used to represent the number eighty, reflecting the typical lifespan of a human being.
In addition to its biblical usage, fourscore gained further recognition through its inclusion in President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in 1863. Lincoln begins his speech by saying, "four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation..." Here, fourscore is used to refer to eighty-seven years, marking the time that had passed since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Throughout history, fourscore has been employed in various literary works, speeches, and historical documents to denote the number eighty. It is often used to create an atmosphere of grandeur, formality, or historical significance. However, it is not as commonly used in modern language, where simpler terms like "eighty" are typically preferred.
Despite its niche usage, fourscore carries connotations of age, longevity, and historical significance. It serves as a linguistic link to the past, reminding us of the language and usage from a different era. Fourscore encapsulates the weight of time and the importance of historical milestones, contributing to its enduring presence in the English language.
Now let's explore how fourscore is related to several idioms. The first idiom is "four score and seven years ago," used in Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Here, fourscore is used to mean eighty-seven years, representing the span of time since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This phrase emphasizes the historical significance of the time that has passed.
Another related idiom is "know the score." The term "score" in this context means the current situation or status of a particular event or situation. When someone knows the score, it means they are aware of the facts or details and have a good understanding of the situation. This idiom emphasizes the importance of being well-informed and aware of what is happening.
The idiom "for the ages" also relates to fourscore. When something is said to be "for the ages," it means it is timeless or will be remembered for a long time. Fourscore, with its association with history and longevity, aligns with the idea of something being significant and enduring across time.
The final idiom is "back forty." This phrase refers to a specific area of land, typically used for agriculture, that is located toward the back or outer part of a property. It is often used in a nostalgic or rural context, highlighting a more traditional way of life. While there is not a direct connection to fourscore in this idiom, both share a connection to the past and evoke a sense of history and tradition.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "fourscore" can be used in a sentence:
- Abraham Lincoln famously started his Gettysburg Address with the words "Four score and seven years ago..."
- In the famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr., he said "Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today..."
- The document, signed by the founding fathers, begins with the statement "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation..."
Analysis:
The idiom "fourscore" is derived from Old English and refers to the number "80." It is primarily used to emphasize a specific number of years, especially when discussing historical events or significant time periods.
In the examples provided, "fourscore" is used to describe a period of time in years. Abraham Lincoln used it to refer to 87 years (four score and seven) in his Gettysburg Address, while Martin Luther King Jr. used it to describe 100 years (five score) in his "I Have a Dream" speech. Both speeches aimed to highlight the passage of time and its relevance to the present situation.
The third example showcases the opening lines of the United States Declaration of Independence, which also incorporates the idiom "four score and seven years ago." Here, it refers to 87 years, representing the time that had passed since the founding of the nation.
More "Numbers" idioms
