Above Ground Pool
Posted on January 7, 2008 - Filed Under ground
The Phrase
The phrase Above Ground Pool is commonly used in the American English language to describe an invented object that is actually quite popular. In order to understand what this phrase is in reference to, breaking the phrase up into words and then breaking the words down into prefixes, suffixes and the like, is helpful to understanding it.
Defining Above
The word above comes from the Old English word abufan, which is an adverb meaning a place or point of reference in which is higher than or on top of something else. For example, the clouds in the sky are above the earth. Sometimes the clouds come in low, right on top of the earth, which we call fog.
The word can also be used metaphorically like in the phrase I am above and beyond you. In this sentence, the person making the statement is claiming to be something more than the person he or she is speaking to. This can mean that the speaker means to say he is more intelligent, attractive or possibly wealthy than the person in reference.
The Word Ground
Ground is a word that also comes from the Old English language. The word grund and is a noun which refers to a specific space, area, section or measurement of land, earth or terrain. The ground is, essentially, the land in which you walk on or any land for that matter. The word ground is used in other ways that have evolved in the American English language. For example, electricians refer to grounding something when they literally take a wire from an electrical circuit and touch it to the property earth. This is done for safety, to avoid surges of electricity from running in the opposite desired direction.
Defining Pool
The word pool is yet another word that comes from Old English, the original word being pol.
A pool is a body of water, relatively shallow (under 12 feet) which humans use during hot months to play, wade and relax in. Usually chlorinated for sanitary purposes, pools are incredibly common amongst American family homes and communities. City and county parks in America often have multiple pools large enough for dozens of families in the ares to use, who do not have one in their homes.
Defining The Phrase
When the definitions of each word in the phrase above ground pool are combined, the ultimate definition is, quite literally: A body of usually chlorinated water used for play, relaxation and recreational purposes that is located on top of or higher than the earth or terrain it is located on.
In America, an above ground pool is also known as a Doughboy. Doughboy is a manufacturer of above ground pools. Essentially, this type of pool is convenient for those on a budget who cannot afford to have contractors dig a large hole in the yard of their house and cement and tile it in for a traditional pool.
The Doughboy is a large, vinyl cylinder with an open top. The vinyl sac, essentially, is held up by a heavy duty pipe frame and is filled with chlorinated water, the same as a traditional pool. Though the Doughboy is not nearly as attractive as a traditional, in-ground pool, there are some aesthetically pleasing gazebos that are especially made for above ground pools.
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