In English colloquialisms, why is a "flat" called a flat?
Asked by
rojo (
24179)
April 16th, 2015
Is it because it is all on one floor as opposed to a multi-level dwelling?
Just wondering, generated from @longgone ‘s happy times post.
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6 Answers
“flat (n.) 1801, “a story of a house,” from Scottish flat “floor or story of a house,” from Old English flett “a dwelling; floor, ground,” from the same source as flat (adj.). Meaning “floor or part of a floor set up as an apartment” is from 1824.” Online Etymology Dictionary
Oh, interesting! Glad to have inspired you to ask!
I think it is where one lyes down flat.
I think probably because residents dwell on a single floor, but then a bungalow would be “flat” too.
I have wondered this and I am pleased it comes from a Scottish word.
While we are on the subject, what is a duplex?
@Stinley A duplex is either a single apartment spread out over two floors or a house divided into two separate apartments.
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