fourbagger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized, slang (baseball).
Quick answer
What does “fourbagger” mean?
In baseball, a home run.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In baseball, a home run.
A term from baseball for a hit that allows the batter to touch all four bases and score a run. Sometimes used metaphorically in business to denote a major success or highly profitable venture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively American in origin and usage. It is not used in British sports contexts.
Connotations
In the US, the term has strong connotations of baseball culture and Americana. It may not be widely understood outside baseball contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low in British English; virtually zero. Low frequency in American English, mostly among baseball aficionados or in historical contexts. 'Home run' is the dominant term.
Grammar
How to Use “fourbagger” in a Sentence
[Subject] hit a fourbagger.The [batter] launched a fourbagger into the [upper deck].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fourbagger” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used)
American English
- He fourbaggered the pitch to win the game. (Archaic/playful formation)
adverb
British English
- (Not used)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- (Not used)
American English
- It was a classic fourbagger swing. (Rare attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare metaphorical use to mean a project or deal that is a spectacular success.
Academic
Only in historical or cultural studies of American sports.
Everyday
Very rare; only used by baseball enthusiasts in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific to baseball statistics and historical commentary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fourbagger”
- Using it for any baseball hit (it's only a home run).
- Using it in non-sports contexts where it would be confusing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal, somewhat archaic synonym. 'Home run' or 'homer' are far more common in contemporary usage.
No, it is not part of British sporting vocabulary and would likely cause confusion unless speaking to an expert on American baseball.
A fourbagger is a home run. A grand slam is a specific type of home run hit when the bases are loaded (runners on all three bases), scoring four runs total.
It comes from early baseball slang where bases were informally called 'bags'. A hit allowing the batter to reach all four bases was a 'four-bagger'.
In baseball, a home run.
Fourbagger is usually specialized, slang (baseball). in register.
Fourbagger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːˌbæɡ.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔrˌbæɡ.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hit it out of the park (metaphorical equivalent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bag at each of the four bases. Hitting a 'fourbagger' means you get to touch all four 'bags' (bases) in one go.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MAJOR SUCCESS IS A HOME RUN (BASEBALL METAPHOR).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'fourbagger' be most appropriately used?