50s
|fif-ties|
/ˈfɪftiz/
(fifties)
years 1950 /ages 50 -
Etymology
'50s' originates from English, specifically the word 'fifty', where 'fif-' meant 'five' and the suffix '-ty' meant 'group of ten' (i.e. five tens).
'50s' changed from Old English 'fifftig' (literally 'five tens') through Middle English forms such as 'fifty'/'fifties' and later developed the modern abbreviated form '50s' for written use to indicate the decade or age range.
Initially it meant the numerical value '50' (five tens); over time it also came to denote the decade 'the 1950s' and the age range 'people in their 50s.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the decade from 1950 through 1959; the years collectively known as the fifties (often used with a definite article: the 50s or the fifties).
The fashion of the 50s was very different from today.
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Noun 2
an age range from 50 to 59 years old (e.g., 'in his 50s').
She's in her 50s and still runs marathons.
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Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of the 1950s (used attributively: e.g., '50s music', '50s style').
She wore a 50s dress to the party.
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Last updated: 2025/09/23 10:31