The spelling of the phrase "plain fare" can be explained through its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription: /pleɪn/ /fɛər/. The first part, "plain," is pronounced with the long "a" sound as in "play," followed by a short "i" sound as in "pin." The second part, "fare," is pronounced with a short "e" sound as in "bed" and a long "a" sound as in "air." This phrase refers to simple and unadorned food or transportation options, emphasizing a lack of luxury or extravagance.
Plain fare is a term primarily used in the realm of transportation and refers to the standard, basic, or no-frills option available to passengers, usually on public transportation systems. It typically denotes the simple, straightforward, and uncomplicated ticket or fare without any additional features, amenities, or perks.
In the context of airlines or trains, plain fare signifies the most economical and stripped-down fare option, typically devoid of any extras such as meals, priority boarding, or additional baggage allowances. Passengers who opt for plain fare tickets may have fewer rights and privileges compared to those who choose higher-tiered fares.
Similarly, in the realm of local transportation, plain fare refers to the ordinary or standard ticket price for buses, trams, or subways. It usually represents the lowest price option available to passengers, providing access to basic transportation services without any additional benefits or privileges.
The term can also be extended to describe basic, straightforward, and simple meals or food offerings. In this context, plain fare represents unadorned, uncomplicated dishes without any elaborate or fancy preparation or presentation. These meals are typically straightforward and lack any notable embellishments or extravagant elements.
Overall, plain fare embodies the idea of simplicity, typically emphasizing affordability, functionality, and a lack of additional features or frills. It is frequently associated with a no-nonsense, uncomplicated, and no-frills approach to travel or food provision.
The phrase "plain fare" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words. However, we can look at the etymology of each word individually.
1. "Plain": The word "plain" comes from the Old French word "plain" meaning "flat, smooth, even". It originated from the Latin word "planus" with the same meaning. Over time, "plain" evolved to refer to something simple, unadorned, or clear, which is the more common usage today.
2. "Fare": The word "fare" comes from the Old English word "fær" meaning "journey, road, passage", which itself originated from the Germanic root word "*faran" meaning "to journey". As the word evolved, "fare" started to refer to the cost or price of transportation or a meal.