Quick links
full marks
DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
1n. — Education
maximum credit given in the academic setting.
Type: 2. Preservation — The term full marks describes the highest mark one can receive for an academic endeavour, such as a test, examination or dictation (see the 1866 quotation). The term full marks is likely a preservation from British English, listed in OED-3 alongside the expressions "high marks" or "top marks" from as early as 1852 (see OED-3, s.v. "mark" (IV)(17)(a)). Accordingly, W-3 (s.v. "full marks") classifies the term as "chiefly British".
See COD-2, s.v. "full marks" (1), which is marked "Cdn & Brit.".
See COD-2, s.v. "full marks" (1), which is marked "Cdn & Brit.".
Quotations
1866
"In English the failures were remarkably few. The examiners all speak well of the work sent up. In dictation half the girls obtained full marks. [...]"
1882
Full work required. Full marks to be given for correct solutions only. If the answer be nearly correct and the method be quite correct, from 10 to 50 per cent of the value may be given.
1939
Most students chose a clavicle here and a tibio-fibula there, and found themselves in an unholy mess. A few merely drew a diagram of the frog's skull and lebelled [sic] the eleven bones. No explanations needed; short and sweet for full marks.
1989
Although Harold sensed enormous dissatisfaction, the students seemed unable to articulate exactly what was unjust in his marking scheme. That they should receive less than full marks for their work was a new concept. That they should set something aside for a rainy day appeared wasteful and fruitless. Each student eyed the others with a suspicious look that displayed a hidden conviction that some were bent upon robbing the central treasury of marks. The concept of "deduction" had hit home with a resounding crash.
2n. — often in phrase to give someone full marks; figurative, especially Sports
credit given for effort or good performance.
Type: 2. Preservation — The term full marks is often used figuratively mean "all due credit or praise" (see W-3, s.v. "full marks") given for a performance or endeavour, often in sports (see the 1981 quotation) or politics (see the 1978 quotation). Accordingly, OED-3 classifies this sense of full marks as figurative, as there is no numerical mark or score being given. In Canadian English, the figurative sense in the context of sports is more common than meaning 1, and Chart 1 shows that this sense is more common in Canadian English than in other varieties.
See COD-2, s.v. "full marks" (2), which is marked "Cdn & Brit.".
See COD-2, s.v. "full marks" (2), which is marked "Cdn & Brit.".
Quotations
1978
Are other Canadians as disappointed as I am when I watch the TV program, This Week in Parliament?
I'll give the politicians full marks for their clarity and fluency in asking and answering questions but an absolute zero for their ability to distinguish between what is important and what is not.
1981
"We've got to give the other team full marks. Every mistake we made, they capitalized on. Their goaltending was good."
2008
Kim Trew, NDP critic for the major Crown corporations, said he is always pleased when SaskPower and the government get into alternative energy sources.
"They deserve full marks for that, but an absolute failing grade on the interest rates. That is usurious," said Trew in an interview.
References
- OED-3 • "mark"
- W-3
- COD-2
Images
