Here's how it evolved:
* Course Numbering: In American universities, courses are often numbered sequentially to indicate their level of difficulty. 100-level courses are generally considered introductory, 200-level courses are intermediate, and so on.
* Simplified Language: Over time, the term "101" became a shorthand for "introductory" or "fundamental" in general conversation, even outside of formal academic settings.
* Popular Culture: The term has been popularized in movies, books, and TV shows, further solidifying its connection to the basic concepts of a skill or subject.
Examples:
* Physics 101: A basic introduction to the principles of physics.
* Cooking 101: A beginner's guide to essential cooking techniques.
* Digital Marketing 101: A foundational course on the basics of digital marketing.
Essentially, "101" signifies the starting point for understanding a new topic, like the first step on a learning journey.