The word "dimeadozen" is a common colloquial expression that means a group of twelve. Its spelling can be broken down into three syllables: di-mea-dozen. Each syllable is pronounced as follows: "di" is pronounced as [daɪ], "mea" is pronounced as [miːə], and "dozen" is pronounced as [ˈdʌzən]. The word can be spelled as "dime-a-dozen" or "dime a dozen" depending on the context. Despite the possible variations in spelling, the IPA transcription remains the same.
Dime-a-dozen is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that is very common, abundant, or easily obtainable. It implies that the item or object being referred to is so commonplace that its value or significance has greatly diminished. The phrase originates from the combination of two separate parts: "dime," which refers to a unit of currency in the United States, specifically a coin worth ten cents, and "a dozen," which represents twelve of something.
When something is considered dime-a-dozen, it means that it is not rare, special, or unique. It suggests that the item or concept is readily available and can be found easily and in large quantities. For example, if someone says that "talented musicians are a dime-a-dozen," they are implying that there is an abundance of musicians with exceptional skills, hence making their talent less remarkable or valuable.
The term dime-a-dozen is often used in a negative or dismissive tone to emphasize the lack of rarity or uniqueness. It conveys the idea that the item being described is so ordinary or mundane that it holds little value or significance. Additionally, the expression can sometimes be used humorously or sarcastically, highlighting the commonness or unimportance of a particular thing.
The word "dimeadozen" is a colloquial expression that combines two different phrases: "dime" and "a dozen". Here's the breakdown of each component:
1. Dime: In the United States, a dime refers to a coin with a value of ten cents. The term "dime" itself derives from the Latin word "decimus", meaning tenth. The dime is so named because it is equal to one-tenth of a dollar.
2. A dozen: The word "dozen" comes from the Old French word "dozeine" or "douzaine", which traces its roots back to Latin (duodecim) and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European language. The base root "duo-" means two, and "-decim" means ten, so a dozen signifies a grouping of ten plus two, totaling twelve.