The word "menage" is pronounced /ˈmɛnɑːʒ/ and refers to a household or group of people living together. The spelling of this word is interesting because it can be easily confused with "manage", which has a different meaning altogether. The word "menage" is derived from the French word "ménage", which means household or domestic affairs. The presence of the accent on the first syllable makes it clear that the stress falls on that syllable, which helps distinguish it from "manage". Overall, the spelling and pronunciation of "menage" are important to get right to avoid confusion.
Menage, also spelled as ménage, is a noun that refers to the arrangement or management of a domestic household or dwelling. It denotes the organization and order maintained within a home, particularly with regards to the distribution of tasks, roles, and responsibilities among the members of the household. The term can also serve as a broader reference to a household's unique structure and the interpersonal dynamics within it.
The word "menage" typically implies a coordinated system of household management, involving the allocation of duties related to cleaning, cooking, childrearing, and other aspects of domestic life. It emphasizes the collaborative effort required to maintain a harmonious living environment and effectively cater to the needs of the individuals residing within the household.
Furthermore, "menage" can also allude to non-traditional or unconventional domestic arrangements, such as polyamorous relationships or households with multiple partners. In this context, it describes the establishment and maintenance of a shared space or living arrangement among individuals who engage in consensual non-monogamy or other alternative lifestyle choices.
Overall, "menage" encompasses the various dimensions of domestic organization and structure, ranging from the management of daily chores and responsibilities to the exploration of alternative relationship models. The term highlights the importance of communication, cooperation, and coordination within a household, ultimately contributing to the maintenance of a balanced and well-functioning living environment.
See manege.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word menage originated from the French term ménage, which ultimately comes from the Late Latin word mansionaticum. Ménage first appeared in the English language in the 18th century and initially referred to the running of a household or domestic affairs. It derives from the Old French word mesnage, meaning household management or housekeeping. The French word itself has a Latin root, mansionaticum, which means a dwelling or establishment. Over time, the term menage expanded in meaning to include a household in a broader sense or to describe a domestic arrangement involving multiple individuals in a romantic or sexual context, often referred to as a menage à trois.