msn Encarta dictionary explains it as this:
pair [ per ]
Definition
1. two similar things used together: two matching objects that are designed to be used together
a pair of socks
2. thing with two joined parts: a garment or article consisting of two matching or identical parts joined together
a pair of binoculars
3. two people together: two people who are doing something together, or who are considered together because there is some connection between them
Now let us look at the way the word ‘pair’ is used in the real world.
Thinking of a woman:
She wears a pair of earrings. One for each ear.
A pair of glasses...only one, she does not stack two on her head.
She wears a bra...one.
She also wears a pair of underwear...I do not know any woman who wears two at a time.
The same for a pair of shorts or jeans...
Moving down her body, she will wear a pair of sock and a pair of shoes, again two pieces each.
As part of her attire, she may wear a scarf (one) and a pair of gloves, again two.
Here is one to think about, the woman will wear a swimsuit whether it is a one piece or two piece, but it is not a pair of swim suits.
This all holds true for a man.
A pair of underwear but not a pair of jock straps!
A man or woman wears a wedding ring, not a pair of wedding rings. Well, then again, maybe they do in Utah.
So why does the term/word pair come into play with clothing? Is it because if you put on a pair of underwear, you have two butt cheeks to cover?
A woman has two boobies, why then is it not a pair of bras?
Then again, you can go buy some underwear and there is a pair of them, two in the package!
Looking back at #2 thing with two joined parts: a garment or article consisting of two matching or identical parts joined together. He or she owns a shirt or blouse which has two sleeves, but they are not called a pair of shirts or blouses!
Who started it and why, it does not make any sense to me. I am afraid of losing sleep pondering this question.
I am wondering if Madam Zoltar can shed some light on this dilemma I am having. I need some closure on this so I can sleep at night!
Or if any blogger out there in “blogger land” can help me out.
......SER
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3 comments:
We do say some really strange things. Learning a new language points those out.
A pair of dentures, whether you have both lower and upper or just one.
A pair of contacts, which makes more sense than a pair of glasses.
And, men wear a pair of swim trunks... while two separate pieces of a bikini for a woman is never referred to as more than one unit. You may say maybe because it is a suit? But do you ever have a pair of suits, even if it is 3 piece deal, including a vest? agk!
And what about a pair of pairs, or pears?. Oh my, Mr. SER, I believe that you are dealing with a pairadox. No need to lose sleep. Just pop another pill (the little blue ones work best for me) and rest assured that not much makes sense in this realm.
I've dealt with a pairidox before. One was a surgeon and the other an anesthesiologist.
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