beaux' stratagem, the: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “beaux' stratagem, the” mean?
The title of a 1707 Restoration comedy play by George Farquhar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The title of a 1707 Restoration comedy play by George Farquhar.
A clever scheme or plot devised by fashionable young men, typically to win a fortune or a wife; by extension, any elaborate or cunning plan, especially one involving romantic or social advancement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare in both varieties. British usage might show slightly more recognition due to the play's place in the British literary canon.
Connotations
Connotes wit, theatricality, and a specific historical period (Restoration/18th century).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage outside literary or academic discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “beaux' stratagem, the” in a Sentence
[The] Beaux' Stratagem [by Farquhar][to devise/plot] a beaux' stratagem [to win her hand]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beaux' stratagem, the” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The characters spend the first act stratageming to entrap the heiress.
American English
- They plotted and stratagemed their way into high society.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in literature, theatre history, and cultural studies courses discussing Restoration comedy.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beaux' stratagem, the”
- Misspelling as 'Beau's Stratagem' (singular) or 'Beaux Stratagem' (missing apostrophe).
- Pronouncing 'beaux' as /bɪks/ instead of /bəʊz/ or /boʊz/.
- Using it as a general term for any plan, losing its specific historical/literary connotations.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is occasionally revived by theatre companies, particularly those specialising in classical or Restoration drama.
'Beaux' is the plural of the French-derived word 'beau', meaning a fashionable young man, a dandy, or a ladies' man.
It would sound highly archaic and literary. Most modern listeners would not understand the reference. Use 'a clever scheme' or 'a cunning plan' instead.
It is pronounced the same as the plural 'beaux'. The apostrophe indicates the possessive plural, but in speech, /ˈbəʊz strəˈtɑːʒəm/ (UK) or /ˈboʊz strəˈtædʒəm/ (US).
The title of a 1707 Restoration comedy play by George Farquhar.
Beaux' stratagem, the is usually literary, historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. The title itself functions idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BEAUX (handsome men) with a STRATagem (clever plan) in a Georgian play.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANCE/ADVANCEMENT IS A THEATRICAL PLOT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern usage of 'The Beaux' Stratagem'?