Four on the floor

[kofukasho]

What does 4 on the floor mean?

[Numbers]

Generally refers to the gear lever (stick shift) on a car being floor mounted rather than on the steering column. Four would be the number of gears.

[king_mohamed]

It means fall on the floor

[WaldoMcFroog]

There's also a musical expression, 4 to the floor, which indicates where the beats of the bar (i.e. each and every one) upon which the bass drum falls. Begining with disco, and continuing with modern dance music, you'll know exactly the sound; 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4... etc until naseous.

[woofgang]

I think the phrase originates with 50's hotrodders in the USA most cars were automatics, so the 'rodders used to boast that they had "four on the floor" ie manual gear change, better for playing chicken at the traffic lights (see "back to the future...")Also take a look here http://www.fouronthefloor.com.au/

[Canib]

Lodekka is correct. Early gearshifts were on the steering column, but did not allow for fast shifting. Also, they were three speeds, rather than four or five as it is now. So, having the gearshift on the floor of the car meant that you could shift faster. Having the extra gear meant that you could stay within optimal RPMs longer, and therefore drive faster. It was, therefore, a status symbol for youth of the era of automotive transition.