How Do You Spell PENNY FARTHING?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛni fˈɑːθɪŋ] (IPA)

The word "penny farthing" refers to an old-fashioned bicycle with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. The spelling of this term can seem confusing, but it's actually quite simple when you break it down into its phonetic components. "Penny" is spelled as it sounds, /ˈpɛni/, with the stress on the first syllable. "Farthing" is pronounced as /ˈfɑrðɪŋ/, with the stress on the second syllable. Together, the phrase is pronounced /ˈpɛni, ˈfɑrðɪŋ/, with a slight pause between the two words.

PENNY FARTHING Meaning and Definition

1. A penny farthing refers to a type of early bicycle that was prominent in the late 19th century. It is characterized by its distinctive design that includes a large front wheel and a significantly smaller rear wheel. The name itself, "penny farthing," originates from British coin denominations, with the larger front wheel resembling a penny, and the smaller rear wheel resembling a farthing. This type of bicycle played a crucial role in the development of cycling as a popular mode of transportation.

   The front wheel of a penny farthing was significantly larger than the rear wheel, often measuring up to five feet in diameter, while the rear wheel was noticeably smaller. This design allowed riders to cover greater distances with each revolution of the pedals. The bicycle had solid rubber tires, a tubular steel frame, and a chain-driven mechanism to power the wheels.

   Riding a penny farthing required a certain level of skill and balance, as it lacked brakes and had no freewheel mechanism. Steering was accomplished by leaning and shifting one's weight. To mount or dismount, riders often had to use a step or a ladder due to the considerable height of the front wheel.

   Although the penny farthing's design ultimately became outdated due to its impracticality and safety concerns, it was an important step towards the development of modern bicycles. The penny farthing remains an iconic symbol of early cycling and an interesting artifact from the history of transportation.

Etymology of PENNY FARTHING

The term "penny farthing" refers to a type of bicycle that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its large front wheel and small rear wheel. The etymology of the term can be traced back to the sizes of the wheels themselves.

The "penny" in "penny farthing" comes from the British penny, which was a coin that had a relatively large size compared to others. The large front wheel of the bicycle resembled the size of a British penny, hence the name.

The "farthing" in "penny farthing" refers to a smaller coin, also from British currency. The small rear wheel of the bicycle resembled the size of a farthing coin. Combining the two terms, "penny farthing" became the definitive name for this type of bicycle with contrasting wheel sizes.