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rojo's avatar

In English colloquialisms, why is a "flat" called a flat?

Asked by rojo (24179points) April 16th, 2015

Is it because it is all on one floor as opposed to a multi-level dwelling?

Just wondering, generated from @longgone ‘s happy times post.

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6 Answers

marinelife's avatar

“flat (n.) 1801, “a story of a house,” from Scottish flat “floor or story of a house,” from Old English flett “a dwelling; floor, ground,” from the same source as flat (adj.). Meaning “floor or part of a floor set up as an apartment” is from 1824.” Online Etymology Dictionary

marinelife (62485points)“Great Answer” (7points) Flag as…
longgone's avatar

Oh, interesting! Glad to have inspired you to ask!

longgone (19538points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
talljasperman's avatar

I think it is where one lyes down flat.

talljasperman (21916points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
ucme's avatar

I think probably because residents dwell on a single floor, but then a bungalow would be “flat” too.

ucme (50047points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
Stinley's avatar

I have wondered this and I am pleased it comes from a Scottish word.

While we are on the subject, what is a duplex?

Stinley (11525points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
JeSuisRickSpringfield's avatar

@Stinley A duplex is either a single apartment spread out over two floors or a house divided into two separate apartments.

JeSuisRickSpringfield (8237points)“Great Answer” (2points) Flag as…

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