As a writer, or even in non-fiction, aka real life, you constantly come up against terms you end up calling ‘thing,’ like an elastic or rubber band for women’s ponytails is often referred to as a ‘hair thing.’ Spending hours finding the correct expression for this piece or that is such a waste of time. Here a short collection of some of my favorite terms.
What’s the name for…
… the end of a shoelace?
The small plastic or metal tip that prevents your shoelace from unravelling is called aglet or aiglet. If the piece has a decorative function, for example if it is shaped like an arrow or an angel, it may also be called an aiguillette. Is it a useless word? “The problem with fibs is that unless you conjure a nice little aglet, the lies could end up unravelling around you.”
…the parts of a zipper?
The tab you use to zip or unzip is called the slider. The top stop and bottom stop define how far you can move the slider, and the fabric strip is called the tape. So, next time you write intimacy or find yourself in an intimate situation, why not use the technical terms?
… the area between your nose and your eyes?
The skin separating your nose from the ridge of your eyes (or between your eyebrows) is called the glabella and the bone leading up to the glabella, at the roof of your nose, is the ethmoid bone. There’s a good chance you’ve rubbed either at some point, perhaps in confusion or embarrassment.
…the ridge between your nose and the mouth?
This is called the philtrum. Not the most sensual word, granted. Still better than its alternative term, “medial cleft.”
…the shape of your upper lip?
Most people would call it the cupid’s bow, but officially it’s the tubercle.
…the space behind your knee?
I usually refer to it as the sensitive (or ticklish, but don’t tell anyone!) kink at the back of my knee, but the official term is the popliteal region. Doesn’t really flow smoothly from the tongue, does it?
…the white of the eye?
Sclera. Again, not particularly sensual, but could be useful if describing a network of streams criss-crossing the field like the spidery vessels in the sclera of a drunk.
…rain when the sun is shining?
There’s no official term, but sunshower seems to be quite popular.
…the place in traffic where you drive around a round traffic island and turn off into the correct road?
In Britain, this is generally known as a roundabout, which is also an acceptable term in the US, although ‘traffic circle’ seems to be preferred by many Americans.
…when someone walks with their feet pointed outward?
Pigeon-toed. The opposite of that is ‘bow-legged’ or ‘duck-footed.’
(The references below relate to the results of an American dialect survey, which I found interesting:)
What do you call…
…the end of a loaf of bread?
Nearly 60% of Americans call it the ‘heel,’ with ‘end’ and ‘crust’ in second and third place. However, there appears to be no official term. Incidentally, I always refer to the “crust” as ‘crocodile,’ and have done since I was a child. No reason, as far as I know. I guess I was just an odd child.
…the sale of unwanted items on your porch or in your yard?
The same survey suggests ‘garage sale’ is the favorite term, with ‘rummage sale’ a close second.
…clumps of dust you may find under your sofa?
‘Dust bunnies’ is the most common term, although ‘dust balls’ also has its fans.
… something that is across both streets from you at an intersection (or diagonally across from you in general)?
According to the survey, most called it ‘kitty-corner’ or possibly ‘catty-corner.’ Or you could always go with ‘diagonal.’
… a sweetened carbonated beverage?
50% of Americans like ‘soda,’ while a quarter prefer ‘pop.’
Have you come across any other specific words that aren’t common knowledge? Please share (see “Comments” at the top of this page). We really want to know.
