The spelling of "eighty eights" might seem confusing to those unfamiliar with the English language. However, with the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet, it becomes clear. The word is pronounced as /ˈeɪt-i ˈeɪts/, with the stress on the first syllable. The first part of the word, "eighty" is spelled with an "e-i-g-h-t-y" and the second part, "eights" with an "e-i-g-h-t-s." This ensures that it is easily distinguishable from the word "eighties," which refers to a decade.
Eighty eights is a term commonly used to refer to the piano, specifically the piano with 88 keys. The number 88 represents the total number of keys on a standard modern piano, with 52 white keys and 36 black keys. The term "eighty eights" is often used in colloquial and informal contexts, primarily among musicians, music lovers, and enthusiasts.
The phrase originated from the numerical count of the piano keys, initially used by piano players and enthusiasts to denote the full range of notes and chords that can be played on a piano. It quickly gained popularity and became a shorthand way of referring to the instrument as a whole.
The 88 keys on a piano span across a wide pitch range, enabling musicians to play a diverse array of musical styles and genres. The keys consist of different pitches, with each key producing a unique sound when struck. They include both the lower bass notes and the higher treble notes, allowing pianists to create intricate melodies, harmonies, and complex compositions.
The term "eighty eights" is also sometimes used figuratively or metaphorically to represent music itself rather than the piano specifically. It connotes a sense of musicality, skill, and talent, symbolizing the full and complete expression of one's musical abilities.
The term "eighty eights" is actually a colloquialism used to refer to pianos or piano playing. The etymology of this term can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States.
The term "eighty eights" is a play on the number of keys found on the standard piano, which is 88. The keys on a piano are numbered from 1 to 88, with each key representing a specific note or pitch.
The term "eighty eights" became popularized in jazz and ragtime music scenes, where pianists would often be referred to as "tickling the eighty eights" or "playing the eighty eights". It was a way to acknowledge and showcase the skill and dexterity of pianists.