How Do You Spell JONESES?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈə͡ʊnzɪz] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the plural form of "Jones" is "Joneses". It is pronounced as /ˈdʒoʊn-sɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word originated from the surname "Jones" and is commonly used when referring to a family with this surname. It’s important to note that "Joneses" does not have an apostrophe despite the association with possession. This plural form is irregular because it adds the suffix "-es" instead of "-s" for regular pluralization in English.

JONESES Meaning and Definition

1. Joneses (noun, plural):

   1. A slang term popularized in the United States, referring to a hypothetical standard of material wealth and social status that individuals or families strive to achieve or keep up with. The "Joneses" represent the ideal, often perceived as having a superior lifestyle, possessions, or social standing. The term can be used in phrases like "keeping up with the Joneses" or "trying to outdo the Joneses," which emphasize the competitive nature of the pursuit of material goods.

   2. The term may also be used humorously to describe a specific peer group or neighbors who appear to have achieved such desired standards of wealth or success. It is often associated with consumerism, as people purchase possessions solely for the purpose of impressing or keeping up with their neighbors, acquaintances, or colleagues. Consequently, the phrase "keeping up with the Joneses" has been adopted into popular culture to describe the act of striving to match or outdo the lifestyle and possessions of those seen as having a more desirable status.

   3. The term can also be expanded metaphorically to encompass any kind of unattainable or idealized goal that people strive to achieve, even if such goals are not related to material wealth alone. It represents the inherent desire of humans to seek validation and acceptance within their social circles, often leading to a perpetuation of societal competitiveness and discontentment.

Common Misspellings for JONESES

• honeses
• uoneses
• jkneses
• jlneses
• jpneses
• j0neses
• j9neses
• jobeses
• jomeses
• jojeses
• joheses
• jonwses
• jonsses
• jondses
• jonrses
• jon4ses
• jon3ses
• joneaes
• jonezes
• jonexes

Etymology of JONESES

The word "joneses" does not have a specific etymology as it is a colloquial term derived from the surname "Jones". In English-speaking countries, "keeping up with the Joneses" is an idiom that means striving to match or exceed the social or financial status of one's neighbors or peers. The phrase gained popularity in the early 20th century and has since become a way to describe societal pressures for material possession and success. However, it is important to note that "joneses" itself is not a recognized word in a traditional linguistic sense.

Idioms with the word JONESES

• keep up with the Joneses The idiom "keep up with the Joneses" refers to the act of trying to maintain or surpass a certain social status, wealth, or lifestyle that is observed or perceived in comparison with one's neighbors, friends, or acquaintances. It embodies the idea of striving to match or outdo the material possessions, achievements, or social standing of others, often leading to financial or emotional strain in an attempt to project a similar image of success.
• keeping up with the Joneses The idiom "keeping up with the Joneses" refers to the act of striving to match or surpass the lifestyle, possessions, or social status of one's neighbors, friends, or colleagues. It implies a desire for material goods, social recognition, or external validation, often resulting in excessive spending or adopting trends to maintain a perceived level of success or superiority.