tapies
RareLiterary/Formal/Archaic
Definition
Meaning
Third-person singular present tense of the verb 'tapie,' an obsolete/archaic verb meaning to lie prostrate or flatten oneself.
In modern English, almost exclusively recognized as the plural of 'tapis,' a French loanword for a heavy fabric used for tapestry, coverings, or tablecloths, now rare except in the fixed idiom 'on the tapis.'
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word 'tapies' itself is not a standalone modern English word. Its existence depends on its interpretation: 1) an archaic verb form, or 2) a plural noun. Its primary contemporary relevance is in the frozen phrase 'on the tapis' (under consideration).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference; both varieties treat it as equally rare and archaic.
Connotations
Literary, old-fashioned, or specialized (in historical/antique contexts).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both; slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical texts due to French influence.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + on the tapislay/place + something + on the tapisVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the tapis (on the carpet/table; under discussion)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Only in the idiom 'on the tapis' for formal discussions (very rare).
Academic
In historical or textile studies referring to coverings.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
In antique or interior design contexts referencing historical fabrics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The creature tapies low in the undergrowth, hidden from sight. (archaic)
American English
- He tapies himself against the wall, hoping not to be seen. (archaic)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The antique shop had several old tapies from France.
- The matter is on the tapis for tomorrow's meeting.
- Before the era of carpets, rich tapies covered the tables and floors of manors.
- The proposal for the new wing has been laid on the tapis.
- The councilor ensured the sensitive issue remained on the tapis until a consensus could be reached.
- An inventory of the estate listed 'six fine figured tapies of Eastern manufacture'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tapestries' on a table: the similar-sounding 'tapies' (as plural of tapis) refers to those heavy decorative cloths.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COVERING FOR DISCUSSION (in 'on the tapis'): Ideas are objects laid out on a cloth for examination.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'tapochki' (slippers).
- Do not translate directly from 'tapies' as a verb; it is not 'tapeet' (to melt).
- The idiom 'on the tapis' is equivalent to 'на рассмотрении'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tapies' as a singular noun.
- Pronouncing it /ˈteɪpiz/ (like 'tapes').
- Assuming it is a common modern word.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely modern meaning of 'tapies' in the sentence 'The ornate tapies were valued by the collector'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is extremely rare and archaic. It is primarily the plural of 'tapis' (a heavy fabric) or an obsolete verb form.
It is pronounced /ˈtæpiz/, rhyming with 'happies'.
Almost never in everyday speech. You might encounter it in historical novels, antique catalogs, or the fixed idiom 'on the tapis' (under consideration).
A 'tapis' is a general term for a heavy cloth used as a covering, often for a table. A 'tapestry' is a specific type of heavy, decorative woven textile, often pictorial, used as a wall hanging.