A "banner year" refers to a period of exceptional success, prosperity, or triumph experienced by an individual, organization, or industry. This term is derived from banners that are commonly used to celebrate achievements and victories. It is an idiomatic expression that conveys a sense of achievements being so significant and remarkable that they are deserving of public recognition and celebration.
A banner year typically denotes a period marked by exceptional performance, growth, or accomplishment. It often implies surpassing previous records or expectations, reaching extraordinary milestones, and achieving notable breakthroughs. This term is commonly used in various fields, such as sports, business, finance, and the arts.
In sports, a team or athlete may have a banner year when they achieve exceptional win records, secure multiple championships, or set remarkable records in their respective sport. In business, a company may have a banner year when it experiences significant growth, record-breaking profits, or launches innovative products that revolutionize the industry. Similarly, professionals in other fields, such as actors, musicians, writers, and scientists, may have a banner year when they receive prestigious awards, make groundbreaking discoveries, or achieve unparalleled success in their careers.
Overall, a banner year symbolizes a period of remarkable achievements and serves as a testament to exceptional performance and success within a particular domain.
The etymology of the phrase "banner year" is not as straightforward as that of a single word. Instead, it is a combination of two words: "banner" and "year".
The word "banner" originally came from the Old French word "banere" (also spelled "baniere"), which referred to a cloth used as a sign or an ensign. From there, the term "banner" expanded its meaning to represent a flag or a symbol of an organization, cause, or group.
On the other hand, the word "year" originated from the Old English word "gear", which goes back to Proto-Germanic. Its roots are unclear beyond this point, but "year" has retained its general meaning throughout history, representing the length of time it takes for the Earth to orbit the Sun.