The word "boilerplate" can be tricky to spell, as it includes some unusual combinations of sounds. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈbɔɪlərpleɪt/. The first syllable, "boil," rhymes with "oil." The second syllable, "er," is pronounced like the vowel sound in "her." The third syllable, "plate," rhymes with "late." "Boilerplate" refers to standardized language used in legal documents or other contexts, and its spelling has remained consistent since its origin in printing press terminology in the 19th century.
Boilerplate, as a noun, refers to standardized or pre-written language or text that is commonly used in legal, technical, or journalistic contexts. It refers to a set of phrases, paragraphs, or entire documents that can be reused or copied without significant alterations, saving time and effort in the creation of similar materials. The term "boilerplate" originated from the metal printing plates used in the early days of newspaper printing, which contained standard and fixed pieces of text that were repeatedly used.
In legal documents, boilerplate clauses or provisions are standard contractual terms and conditions that are often included to protect the rights and interests of the parties involved, such as indemnity clauses or force majeure provisions. The use of boilerplate in legal contracts ensures consistency and reliability in the language used across various agreements.
In technical documentation or programming, boilerplate code refers to sections of code that are frequently used for common functions or operations and can be easily inserted into new software projects. This enables developers to save time by reusing existing code structures or patterns.
In journalism, boilerplate refers to standardized content or press releases that provide general information about an organization, event, or product. Journalists may use this boilerplate material as a starting point for writing news articles or press releases, giving them a base from which to craft specific stories or reports.
Overall, boilerplate refers to pre-established, reusable templates or language that aids in standardization, efficiency, and consistency across various domains, including legal, technical, and journalistic contexts.
The term "boilerplate" originates from the early 19th century in the world of printing. In those days, newspaper printers used precast metal plates with common text or images to speed up the process of printing. These plates were often made from steel, hence the term "boilerplate". The plate's ruggedness and durability were comparable to the steel plates used to build boilers in steam engines. Over time, the term "boilerplate" became associated with any standardized or generic language, text, or content that can be reused in multiple contexts. Today, "boilerplate" is commonly used in various fields to refer to standard language or standardized content that can be easily replicated or applied to different situations or documents.