The phrase "short commons" refers to a situation where someone is not receiving enough food or provisions. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription: ʃɔːt ˈkɒmənz. The "sh" sound at the beginning of "short" is represented by the symbol for the voiceless postalveolar fricative. The "o" in "short" is pronounced with an open-mid back rounded vowel, represented by the symbol ɔː. The "a" in "commons" is pronounced with an open-mid front unrounded vowel, represented by the symbol ɒ.
Short commons is an idiomatic expression that refers to an insufficient or meager quantity of food or provisions, typically served during a meal or rationed during a period of scarcity. The term is commonly used when describing a situation or circumstance where there is a lack or insufficiency of sustenance or nourishment.
In a historical context, short commons often pertained to the limited rations provided to sailors or soldiers due to the scarcity of supplies during long voyages, military campaigns, or times of war. It implied that individuals would receive less food than they desired or required for their sustenance. Short commons were often associated with conditions of hardship, deprivation, or scarcity, giving rise to discontent among those who were affected.
In a more general sense, short commons can also relate to any situation where there is an inadequate amount of food or provisions available, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction. This phrase can be used figuratively to describe any scenario where resources or provisions are lacking or insufficient, resulting in an individual feeling deprived or unsatisfied.
Overall, short commons encompasses the notion of limited or insufficient sustenance and conveys the sense of not having enough to meet one's needs or desires.
The phrase "short commons" has its roots in both the Old English and Old French languages.
The word "short" comes from the Old English word "sceort", which means "not long" or "lacking in length". It has been in use in the English language since the 9th century.
The word "commons" is derived from the Old French word "commun", which means "common" or "belonging to all". This term was later adopted into the English language during the Middle English period.
When combined, the phrase "short commons" came to refer to a situation where one has limited or insufficient food or provisions. The usage of this phrase became more common in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in relation to sailors and their rations. It implied that the amount of food provided to individuals was not sufficient to meet their basic needs.