The correct spelling of the phrase "of age" can be confusing for some people. It is often mistaken for "of cage" or "off age." The correct pronunciation is /əv eɪdʒ/, with a short "u" sound and a long "a" sound. The phonetic transcription shows that the stress is on the second syllable "age." "Of age" means being old enough to legally engage in certain activities, such as voting or drinking alcohol. It is important to master the spelling of this phrase in order to avoid confusion.
"Of age" is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone reaching the age of legal adulthood, typically for engaging in certain activities, responsibilities, or rights. It is customarily used to describe the point in time when an individual has attained the age required to perform tasks or participate in specific legal matters without the need for parental or guardian consent.
When someone is said to be "of age," it implies that they have crossed a legally recognized threshold to be considered mature enough to bear the consequences of their own actions and decisions. The specific age at which one is considered "of age" may vary depending on jurisdiction and the nature of the activity involved. For example, the legal drinking age in many countries is often referred to as the age at which one is "of age" to consume alcohol.
Being "of age" is often associated with gaining independence and the ability to exercise certain rights and privileges. These can include, but are not limited to, voting, getting married, signing legal contracts, purchasing certain products or services, and being held responsible for one's own criminal actions. It signifies a transition from childhood or adolescence to adulthood, and carries with it the expectation of increased personal freedoms and social responsibilities.
The term "of age" dates back to Old English, where it was originally written as "æfnan æge". "Æfnan" translates to "accomplish" or "attain", while "æge" means "age" or "years". Over time, the phrase evolved and merged into the modern form "of age", which has the same meaning - someone who has reached the legal age of maturity or adulthood.