Word use that drives you up the wall!

[puma guy]

Being one myself I am always perplexed as to how many folk are referenced when some one says " a pair of twins". Is it two or four?

[RogueUSMC]

Being one myself I am always perplexed as to how many folk are referenced when some one says " a pair of twins". Is it two or four?

Or whether they are drunk or sober (how many twins do you see?)

[TomsTXCHL]

For me during football season it's that Troy Aikman he can't stop himself such that Joe Buck he has picked-up on it himself. I wonder if Troy Aikman he never went to grammar school fer cryan' out loud. Troy Aikman he makes my ears curl.

:p

[WildBill]

Being one myself I am always perplexed as to how many folk are referenced when some one says " a pair of twins". Is it two or four?

What about a pair of pants, scissors or pliers?

[Wolverine]

While we're on this subject, I always wondered if one of them dies, is the other still a twin?

[Oldgringo]

Being one myself I am always perplexed as to how many folk are referenced when some one says " a pair of twins". Is it two or four?

What about a pair of pants, scissors or pliers?

I've often wondered about that my own self.

[Dadtodabone]

Being one myself I am always perplexed as to how many folk are referenced when some one says " a pair of twins". Is it two or four?

What about a pair of pants, scissors or pliers?

I've often wondered about that my own self.

Pants/Trousers evolved from fitted stockings, pantaloons/trews, that were made and donned individually. Long tunics would cover the join for warmth and modesty's sake.
Parenthetically it was the shortening of the tunic during the Medieval Warm Period, that led to the creation of the codpiece which joined the pairs.
A modern iteration of the codpiece can be found in the U.S. Navy enlisted mans trousers.
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... 01_92.aspx

Instruments and tools which feature identical limbs which are joined have always been referred to in the plural. Calipers, tweezers, scissors, pliers. Scissors is a plural noun; thus "a scissors" would be wrong. To refer indefinitely to one unit, one should always use pair, as in "a pair of scissors". With the definite article the and the plural adjectives these and those, pair does not have to be used: those scissors are terrible, try these scissors, the scissors are bad, etc.

[Dadtodabone]

While we're on this subject, I always wondered if one of them dies, is the other still a twin?

Yes, though referred to as "remaining" or "twinless".

[RogueUSMC]

Being one myself I am always perplexed as to how many folk are referenced when some one says " a pair of twins". Is it two or four?

What about a pair of pants, scissors or pliers?

I've often wondered about that my own self.

Pants/Trousers evolved from fitted stockings, pantaloons/trews, that were made and donned individually. Long tunics would cover the join for warmth and modesty's sake.
Parenthetically it was the shortening of the tunic during the Medieval Warm Period, that led to the creation of the codpiece which joined the pairs.
A modern iteration of the codpiece can be found in the U.S. Navy enlisted mans trousers.
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... 01_92.aspx

Instruments and tools which feature identical limbs which are joined have always been referred to in the plural. Calipers, tweezers, scissors, pliers. Scissors is a plural noun; thus "a scissors" would be wrong. To refer indefinitely to one unit, one should always use pair, as in "a pair of scissors". With the definite article the and the plural adjectives these and those, pair does not have to be used: those scissors are terrible, try these scissors, the scissors are bad, etc.

Wow...you spent time on this...lol

[puma guy]

While we're on this subject, I always wondered if one of them dies, is the other still a twin?

Yes, though referred to as "remaining" or "twinless".

Since my brother was born 15 minutes before me he always refers to me as the twin and himself as the original.

[Dadtodabone]

Wow...you spent time on this...lol

5-10 minutes? I'm a frustrated History major with a captive audience and a very good memory.

[Dadtodabone]

While we're on this subject, I always wondered if one of them dies, is the other still a twin?

Yes, though referred to as "remaining" or "twinless".

Since my brother was born 15 minutes before me he always refers to me as the twin and himself as the original.

That is funny! I've never heard that before!

[RogueUSMC]

Wow...you spent time on this...lol

5-10 minutes? I'm a frustrated History major with a captive audience and a very good memory.

Is there any other kind of history major?

[fickman]

This one isn't based on misuse of a term, but I'll admit that I hate the word "pistol". I never use it. I cringe when I hear it. I can't explain further.

Gun.
Handgun.
Firearm.
Revolver.
Wheelgun.
Rifle.
Carbine.
Shotgun.
Scattergun.
Big iron.
Heat (I won't use it, but go ahead if you must).
Gat (Same as above).
Piece.
etc., etc., etc.

Use any synonym, euphemism, or colloquialism that you want and I'll go right along. Say "pistol" and I'll look like I just ate a lemon.

[Skiprr]

This one isn't based on misuse of a term, but I'll admit that I hate the word "pistol". I never use it. I cringe when I hear it. I can't explain further.

Hm. I know you said you can't explain further, but this one's interesting. The use of the term "pistol" for a handheld firearm predates "revolver" by over 250 years. When Samuel Colt received his patent in 1836 for an innovative new handgun, he deemed it the "revolving-cylinder pistol."

Per the Gun Control Act (18 U.S.C., §921(A)(29) and 27 CFR §478.11):

The term "Pistol" means a weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having:

• a chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or permanently aligned with, the bore(s);
• and a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore(s).

Though the definition has morphed since its first use in 1570, the term "pistol" seems still to serve a purpose.