The term "three decker" refers to a three-story building usually found in cities or towns. The word is pronounced /θriː ˈdɛk.ər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "thr" is pronounced with a voiceless dental fricative /θ/, the second syllable "ee" is pronounced with a long vowel sound /iː/, while the last syllable "decker" is pronounced with a short vowel sound /ɛ/ and a dental stop /k/. The spelling of this word follows the traditional English spelling system.
A three-decker is a noun that refers to a type of dwelling, typically a house or apartment building, consisting of three separate floors or levels. This architectural structure is characterized by having three designated living spaces or units stacked on top of each other, with each floor intended for habitation by different individuals or families.
The term "three-decker" gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in urban settings, as a cost-effective solution to accommodate a growing population. Typically found in densely populated areas, these buildings are often made of brick or wood and feature a shared entrance or common hallways leading to each unit.
Historically, three-deckers have been prevalent in older industrial cities, such as Boston and Providence in the United States, where they became a symbol of working-class housing. These buildings provided affordable housing options for immigrant families and blue-collar workers during periods of rapid urbanization.
The layout of a three-decker commonly consists of a similar design on each level, comprising a combination of bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. However, architectural variations may exist to account for different spatial requirements or the evolution of building codes. Additionally, three-deckers have often been subject to renovations and modifications over the years to adapt to changing housing needs and market demands.
Overall, the term "three-decker" represents a distinct style of housing architecture with a specific layout and purpose, offering multiple residential units on three separate levels within a single building.
The term "three-decker" originated from the construction of ships that had three decks. However, over time, the term has been used in a different context as well. In literature, particularly in the 19th century, "three-decker" referred to a specific type of book. These books were large, usually bound in three volumes, and consisted of a main narrative split into three separate parts. The term "three-decker" in this context stemmed from the resemblance of the books to the three-decked ships.