CIRCULAR FILE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "circular file" is a colloquialism referring to a wastebasket or trash can, usually specifically used to discard or dispose of unwanted or unimportant documents, letters, or other papers. Derived from the perception of a circular motion made by a piece of paper when it is thrown into a round trash receptacle, the term has gained popularity as a humorous and satirical way to suggest that the discarded materials are being tossed away and forgotten.
The phrase "circular file" is often utilized to convey a sense of dismissal, rejection, or disregarding. It signifies that the content being discarded is considered unimportant, irrelevant, or without merit, and is thus being disposed of without further consideration. The term is frequently employed in informal contexts, such as casual conversations, office banter, or light-hearted writing. Its usage is meant to add a touch of sarcastic or ironic humor when discussing the process of discarding useless or unwanted materials.
While "circular file" is typically understood within the context of disposing paper documents, it can also be metaphorically extended to other types of media, such as digital files or emails, implying their deletion or removal from consideration. However, it is important to note that in today's increasingly digital world, the actual physical act of throwing paper into a round trash bin may not be as commonplace as it once was. Nonetheless, the term continues to be used and understood, serving as a whimsical way to symbolize the act of discarding insignificant or unwanted materials.
Common Misspellings for CIRCULAR FILE
- xircular file
- vircular file
- fircular file
- dircular file
- curcular file
- cjrcular file
- ckrcular file
- corcular file
- c9rcular file
- c8rcular file
- ciecular file
- cidcular file
- cifcular file
- citcular file
- ci5cular file
- ci4cular file
- cirxular file
- cirvular file
- cirfular file
Etymology of CIRCULAR FILE
The term "circular file" is a euphemism for a trash can or waste paper basket, used to discard documents or other items. Its origin can be traced back to the early 20th century in America.
The etymology of "circular file" is believed to derive from the practice of literally filing or discarding unwanted papers in a circular motion. In older office settings, round containers or bins were commonly used as receptacles for waste, such as unwanted correspondence or obsolete files. Instead of openly throwing documents away, they would be placed in the round container, and the motion of dropping them in the bin created a circular path as they descended.
Over time, this action of discarding papers into a round bin became known as "filing in the circular file".
Idioms with the word CIRCULAR FILE
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circular file
The idiom "circular file" is a humorous or sarcastic way of referring to a trash can or waste bin. It is often used to suggest that something is being thrown away or discarded, typically because it is considered useless or unimportant. The term comes from the idea of tossing paper documents into a round file, similar to a trash can.
Similar spelling words for CIRCULAR FILE
- circular saw,
- circular measure,
- circulation,
- circular-knit,
- circularization,
- circularise,
- circularize,
- circular plane,
- circulating,
- circularly,
- circulatory,
- scuffle,
- colorful,
- circulative,
- circularity,
- circularisation.
