2007-02-26 20:20:57 · 7 answers · asked by io 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
Firstly, it is umpteen rather than umpteenth.
Umpteen is a term for an unspecified but large number, used in a humorous fashion or to imply that it is not worth the effort to pin down the actual figure. Generally, it refers to the number of times something has happened, rather than to a number of objects. Since many people use the word in a facetious manner, it is not considered a scientifically or mathetically useful term.
Despite the -teen ending, which would seem to indicate that it lies between 12 and 20, umpteen is often assumed to be much larger than this—if it ever could be pinned down.
The word is apparently derived from the slang ump(ty), a dash in Morse code (of imitative origin), plus -teen. A derived term using the same root is umpty-ump.
2007-02-26 20:26:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you mean umpteenth. It is a slang term for many, many times. Instead of stating a specific number the term umpteenth is used which means too many. It is usually used in a derogatory sense.
2007-02-27 05:17:32 · answer #2 · answered by don n 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's like 'I've told you a million times" as in a repetitive situation that has gone beyond a small amount. Umpteenth is to express that whatever the item is being discussed, it has been discussed quite a bit previously and that is being used to make a point. Good question!!
2007-02-27 04:26:52 · answer #3 · answered by roritr2005 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you mean umpteenth, it is just a word meaning countless or innumerable eg I have told you for the umpteenth time to clean your room.
2007-02-27 04:26:16 · answer #4 · answered by Juliette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. I have always understood that 'umpteenth' means quite a few. My Mum used to say - "For the umpteenth time, I'm asking you......!!" I don't think it has a specific number attached to it. :o)
2007-02-27 04:27:42 · answer #5 · answered by Nyza 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's UMPTEENTH, and it's a nonsense expression for several....or plenty....like asking your kid for the umpteenth time to put his skateboard away.
2007-02-27 04:27:49 · answer #6 · answered by lou b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many many many many....... times
2007-02-27 04:24:54 · answer #7 · answered by IIDX Chem 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋