back number
Low-frequencyInformal, somewhat dated.
Definition
Meaning
A past issue of a periodical, such as a magazine or newspaper; something that is out of date or no longer relevant.
A person, idea, object, or method that is considered old-fashioned, obsolete, or no longer in vogue.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While the literal meaning refers to a back issue of a publication, its primary modern use is metaphorical, applying to people or things considered obsolete. It often carries a mildly dismissive or critical tone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both regions use the term, but it is slightly more established in British English. The metaphorical use for an old-fashioned person is common in both.
Connotations
Mildly pejorative when describing a person. Neutral when referring to a magazine.
Frequency
Overall usage is declining; considered somewhat dated but still understood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to be a back numberto become a back numberto consider someone/something a back numberVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a bit of a back number when it comes to technology.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously to describe outdated business models or software.
Academic
Used literally in library and archival contexts to refer to past journal issues.
Everyday
Most common in metaphorical sense to describe old-fashioned people or things.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- That's a bit of a back-number attitude, isn't it?
American English
- His back-number views on management won't help the company.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I found the article in a back number of the magazine.
- His mobile phone is a real back number.
- The library keeps back numbers of all the major scientific journals.
- In the fast-moving tech world, last year's model is already a back number.
- Politically, he's considered a back number, clinging to ideologies the party has long since abandoned.
- The professor's reference to that theory marked him as a bit of a back number among his peers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a library's 'back' shelves filled with old 'number' issues of magazines – things from the past.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A SEQUENCE OF NUMBERS (hence 'back' in the sequence = older). OUT OF DATE IS BEHIND.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'задний номер'. For a person, 'отсталый человек' or 'пережиток прошлого' is closer. For a magazine, 'старый номер'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He back-numbered the idea'). Confusing it with 'back order'. Using it in overly formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
If someone calls a colleague a 'back number' in a meeting, what do they most likely mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its literal meaning is for periodicals, but it is most commonly used metaphorically to describe anything or anyone considered obsolete or old-fashioned.
It can be mildly insulting or dismissive when applied to a person, suggesting they are out of touch. It is not highly offensive but should be used with caution.
They are synonyms in the literal sense (a past issue of a magazine). However, only 'back number' is used metaphorically for people/things. 'Back issue' is neutral and more common for the literal meaning.
No, it is only used as a noun or, less commonly, in an adjectival position (e.g., 'a back-number idea'). It does not have a standard verb form.
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