Among the many, many things I don't understand about language...

Oeditpus Rex

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:23 PM
Original message

Among the many, many things I don't understand about language...

Why is "a scissors" proper but "a pants" isn't? :shrug:

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Left Is Write

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:24 PM
Response to Original message

1. I didn't know "a scissors" was proper.

I'd say "a pair of scissors."

What I want to know is, why is "bra" singular? :crazy:

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Oeditpus Rex

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:31 PM
Response to Reply #1

2. And 'panties' plural

English. :eyes:

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Zavulon

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Wed Apr-18-07 02:22 PM
Response to Reply #1

13. I didn't either. I'm 43 and this is the first time I've EVER heard "a scissors." (NT)

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datasuspect

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:32 PM
Response to Original message

3. "a scissors" is proper to functional illiterates.

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Oeditpus Rex

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:43 PM
Response to Reply #3

6. scis�sors

/sɪz-ərz/ �noun 1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a cutting instrument for paper, cloth, etc., consisting of two blades, each having a ring-shaped handle, that are so pivoted together that their sharp edges work one against the other (often used with pair of).

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/scissors

Note: "often used." (My emphasis.)

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realisticphish

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Wed Apr-18-07 02:13 PM
Response to Reply #6

12. i use scissors in other ways, not as a singular noun

i ask "where are the scissors," as in "they" are two halves of what I'm looking for. "A scissors" just sounds bizarre to me.

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El Fuego

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:40 PM
Response to Original message

4. And why is someone "in a movie" and yet "on TV"?

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Hugin

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:42 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. That is odd...

Hadn't noticed it before.

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Oeditpus Rex

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:49 PM
Response to Reply #4

7. I'd guess that's because

Edited on Wed Apr-18-07 01:50 PM by Oeditpus Rex

a teevee is an actual object, and when we say "on teevee" we're speaking of the object, as opposed to a movie, which is really just energy (i.e. light).

Still, it is sort of odd that we'd think of someone as being physically on that appliance or piece of furniture, as if they were a penguin that's due to explode.

:shrug:

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Left Is Write

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:50 PM
Response to Reply #7

8. It's even worse when someone is IN a movie ON tv.

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Oeditpus Rex

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Wed Apr-18-07 01:57 PM
Response to Reply #8

9. Thanks

Now my head hurts. x(

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realisticphish

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Wed Apr-18-07 02:11 PM
Response to Original message

10. i've NEVER heard "a scissors"

i would look at someone oddly if they said something like that.

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Oeditpus Rex

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Wed Apr-18-07 02:13 PM
Response to Reply #10

11. See #6 (n/t)

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