It would never occur to anyone to call a mansion an apartment. However, in the film “Hello, I am Your Aunt,” Judge Crixus, having appeared at the Chesneev’s house, states: “I must see the owner of this apartment.” Maybe this is allowed in England? We'll figure out.
The origin of the word "apartment"
What language is it derived from? Oddly enough, it came from the Roman word quartarius (which means a quarter of a measure). At first glance, this has nothing to do with the name of the housing. But this is not so.
The Romans had a well-trained army for a long time, when they decided to increase the empire’s possessions to the north, to the territory of Gaul. About two millennia ago, the scattered tribes who lived there did not have permanent troops, weapons of the same type and, if necessary, defended a militia.
The Romans were famous not only for their victories, but also for the perfectly organized life of the legionnaires. During the campaigns, soldiers were stationed in the conquered territories in the camp (bivouac), and in winter they stood at a stand in the dwellings of the local population. There were no permanent garrisons then.
In the conquered territories, a mit tax was introduced. He explains the origin of the word “apartment”. It is the duty of a provincial village to accept soldiers at a stand (for an apartment) and provide firewood and fodder. In order not to ruin the owners, the Roman authorities supplied the army with food. In addition, soldiers received salaries and could buy food from peasants. Special instructions of the law prescribed how much can be bought from the farmer. Usually no more than a quarter of the crop.
When placed on billets, the village was obliged to allocate a quarter of the premises suitable for housing from all available. Hence the name of the conscription - quarterarius - one fourth. Free cities did not provide a winter stand. But the emperor could introduce a toughening tax on objectionable cities. For example, there is a known case of joining a quartary of compulsory military service paying monthly salaries to soldiers.
How the use of the word spread
Gradually, with the expansion of the Roman Empire throughout Europe, the “quartarius” conscription also spread, and in Russian - the “quarter”. Hence the origin of the word "apartment". So began to be called housing occupied by soldiers. Since the army commander was supposed to have a headquarters, his location became known as the "headquarters".
In the German language, the word Quartier is preserved, which means "stand, apartment, housing." It is already considered obsolete, but can be used in the form of "rent or rent a room." In Old Polish, kvartera means “wait.” In British English, the verb quarter means "quarter, house." Similar words are in both Dutch and French.
As a military term, this word is still preserved. Here, for example, its French meaning:
- barracks, parking place;
- location of the part;
- defense area.
How the meaning of the word "apartment" has changed
Since the word means the fourth part, it gradually becomes a term in various fields. So, in northern Germany it is a measure of liquid. In Switzerland - a quarter of the city. In England - a quarter (school year, moon, hour). In heraldry, this is the fourth part of the coat of arms of the clan.
The following quartier values are known in European languages:
- quadruple of bricks;
- car body part;
- small cells resulting from knurling of the skin;
- chip;
- share;
- boot back.
How the word came to Russia
After the time of troubles, innovations began to appear in the Russian army. This is primarily the shelves of the "foreign system." Apparently, following the example of the European troops, the position of a mill-worker was introduced. That is, the camp. This rank has been known in documents since 1647, later it became known as the quartermaster. The origin of the word “apartment” is explained by borrowing. So the apartments became premises for soldiers.
At the beginning of the 19th century, when an even larger part of the troops were stationed in private houses, the construction of the barracks began. At first they were assigned only to the guards, while the entire army lived in military settlements.
There is a debate about the origin of the word “apartment” - what language is it derived from? Opinions were divided: some believe that this is a transliteration of the Polish “quarter”, others - that one of the Romance languages. They agree on one thing - its origins in Latin.
As used now
There are several meanings of the word “apartment”. First of all, this is the residential part of the house with a separate entrance and, as a rule, with communal amenities and a kitchen. Such an apartment can be occupied by one family, then it is considered separate.
But several families can live in it, and then it is considered communal. In such an apartment there is a common kitchen, one bathroom and a common corridor where the doors of all living rooms go. After the 1917 revolution in the cities, many apartments were made communal. In Soviet times, dormitories were built like this.
There is the concept of “apartment-museum”, “apartment-workshop”, “rented apartment”.
There is one more semantic load of this word - a safe house safe. It is used by intelligence agents to meet with residents. Now it can be seen in films, and the term has acquired an ironic meaning.
Although the unflattering origin of the word "apartment" is exactly what European appartement translates. In Europe, the so-called premises of one or more rooms for housing. Apparently, this name sits firmly in the minds of Russians.
What are the apartments
Now they are building different apartments: from the penthouse to the townhouse, from two-level to the studio. Unfortunately, communal apartments and hostels are still preserved. But in rural areas, houses for two or four apartments are popular.
But what about Judge Crixus? Was he mistaken in calling the mansion an apartment? No, this is a delicate game, because the house belongs to Colonel Chesney. On the one hand, calling his home so, the judge showed disregard for the military: they say, what kind of property can a soldier have? Enough of him and standing. And on the other hand, the colonel is ruined, only a profitable marriage can save him from eviction. It turns out that he is like an insolvent tenant. This play of Brandon Thomas is replete with puns, apparently this is another.
The origin and meaning of words can sometimes be very surprising. It turns out that your apartment owes its name to the Roman army in the provinces. Previously, it was called housing for soldiers, but now it’s private apartments. Be that as it may, one thing is good: that no one will make it your duty to accept any hussar.