The word 'checkered' can be somewhat confusing in terms of its spelling. It is commonly used to describe a pattern of alternating squares, typically black and white. The pronunciation of 'checkered' is /ˈtʃɛkərd/, where the 'ch' sound is like the 'ch' in 'cherry'. The '-er' ending is pronounced like 'er' in 'her'. The double 'e' in the middle of the word represents the long 'e' sound, as in 'key'. The second 'c' is silent, making the word sound like 'chek-erd'.
Checkered is an adjective that describes an object or surface consisting of a pattern of alternating squares or rectangles of different colors or shades. It is characterized by a distinctive design featuring two or more contrasting colors, most commonly black and white, forming a regular pattern of squares or checks. The term can be applied to a wide range of items, such as fabrics, quilts, flooring, or even flags.
The checkered pattern is typically created by weaving or printing different colored threads or pigments in a grid-like formation. The alternating colors create a sense of visual interest and variety, giving the object a somewhat symmetrical and geometric appearance.
Checkered patterns are often associated with a sense of nostalgia and can evoke images of classic or retro aesthetics, such as the iconic black and white checkered floor found in old diners or the pattern seen on racing flags. Due to their distinctiveness and eye-catching quality, checkered designs are often utilized to add a touch of personality and style to various objects and spaces.
Overall, the term "checkered" refers to a pattern consisting of squares or rectangles of contrasting colors forming a distinct, eye-catching grid-like design, often used to add visual interest and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
• As checkered cloth, cloth consisting of squares or stripes of different colours.
• Crossed with good and bad fortune in the career of life.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "checkered" originated from the noun "check", which can be traced back to the Old French word "eschequier" or "eschequer", meaning "chessboard" or "a checked fabric". The Old French term ultimately derived from the Arabic word "shāh", which means "king" and is also the origin of the word "chess". The concept of "check" in chess influenced the development of the word "checkered", referring to something patterned with squares or checks, similar to a chessboard.