The term “back of beyond” is a phrase that has been used for many years in English language. It may sound like a strange phrase to some, but it has a specific meaning and usage. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and various meanings of the term “back of beyond.”
Definitions
The term “back of beyond” refers to a place that is remote, isolated, or far away from civilization. It is a place that is difficult to reach or access, and often lacks basic amenities like electricity, running water, or telecommunications. It is a place that is considered to be beyond the limits of human habitation or activity.
Origin
The origin of the term “back of beyond” is not entirely clear. Some sources suggest that it may have originated in Australia, where it was used to describe the remote and sparsely populated areas of the Outback. Others suggest that it may have originated in the United Kingdom, where it was used to describe the remote and inaccessible areas of the Scottish Highlands or the Welsh countryside.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term “back of beyond” is not a commonly used phrase, and it may not be found in all dictionaries. However, some dictionaries that do include the phrase offer the following definitions:
- Oxford English Dictionary: A remote or isolated place; the furthest point from civilization.
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: A remote or isolated place; a place that is far away from where most people live or work.
- Collins English Dictionary: A very remote or inaccessible place.
Associations
The term “back of beyond” is often associated with wilderness, adventure, and exploration. It is a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and experience the natural world. It is also associated with a sense of isolation and loneliness, as it is a place where one may be cut off from the rest of the world.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for the term “back of beyond,” including:
- The middle of nowhere.
- The boonies.
- The sticks.
- The backwoods.
- The hinterland.
- The wilderness.
- The outback.
- The backcountry.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “back of beyond” are words that describe places that are populated, urban, or well-connected. Some antonyms of “back of beyond” include:
- The city.
- The suburbs.
- The metropolis.
- The downtown area.
- The urban center.
- The developed world.
The same root words
The term “back of beyond” does not have any root words, as it is a phrase that has developed its own meaning and usage over time.
Example Sentences
- “I’m going camping in the back of beyond this weekend.”
- “He lives in the back of beyond, where there’s no cell phone service.”
- “The research station is located in the back of beyond, surrounded by miles of wilderness.”
- “We drove for hours through the back of beyond before finally reaching our destination.”
- “She moved to the back of beyond to escape the noise and chaos of the city.”
The term “back of beyond” may sound like a strange phrase, but it has a specific meaning and usage in English language. It refers to a place that is remote, isolated, or far away from civilization, and is often associated with wilderness, adventure, and exploration. While it may not be a commonly used phrase, it is still a useful term for describing certain types of places or experiences.