 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeDiscussion GroupsEnglish UsageBritish EnglishESL Teaching Learnglish.com Contact UsLink To UsSearch & Site Map |
Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2004Elastics
In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called "rubber bands.") Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, possibly, a regional name?  SignatureMaria Conlon Please send any email to the Hot Mail address. > In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" > were called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were > called "rubber bands.") > > Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > possibly, a regional name? In the commercial rubber business (tires and the like), rubber compounds are generically classified as "elastomers." I've even heard "elastomerics." "Elastics"? That's pushing it. SignatureGood luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com >>In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" >>were called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > "Elastics"? That's pushing it. I don't find anything strange about "elastics" for "rubber bands". Google doesn't either: a search on elastics, brings up lots of sites about orthodontics http://mybraces.com/elastics.htm A search on "hair elastics" finds many references to bands for securing ponytails. SignatureFrances Kemmish Production Manager East Coast Youth Ballet www.byramartscenter.com >>> Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, >>> possibly, a regional name? [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > A search on "hair elastics" finds many references to bands for > securing ponytails. I won't quarrel with the specialized or technical uses "elastics" seems to have acquired, but "rubber band" seems to have stood the test of time. Using "elastics" here seems akin to calling those garbage bag wire ties "nonelastics." SignatureGood luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com >>>>Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, >>>>possibly, a regional name? [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > Using "elastics" here seems akin to calling those garbage bag wire ties > "nonelastics." Where I come from, "rubber bands" were called "elastic bands"; it wasn't much of a step to calling them just "elastics". It isn't new: we were calleing elastic bands elastics before we started putting our rubbish in plastic bags. SignatureFrances Kemmish Production Manager East Coast Youth Ballet www.byramartscenter.com >> I won't quarrel with the specialized or technical uses [of] "elastics" >> ... but ... Using "elastics" here seems akin to calling ... wire ties >> "nonelastics." > > Where I come from, "rubber bands" were called "elastic bands" ... I don't come from there, but I must admit there's no substitute for hands-on experience. SignatureGood luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com > >>In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" > >>were called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > A search on "hair elastics" finds many references to bands for securing > ponytails. Some items used to secure ponytails are composed of a rubber core surrounded by a cloth sheath, the same basic thing as is used to hold on costume masks and surgical face masks. I would not call this a "rubber band," but an "elastic band." I see from a Web search of sites that sell masks that these are sometimes called "elastics," although I didn't bother to determine if the sites in question were US-based or not. SignatureRaymond S. Wise Minneapolis, Minnesota USA E-mail: mplsray @ yahoo . com > Some items used to secure ponytails are composed of a rubber core surrounded > by a cloth sheath, Those are called "scrunchies". Photos at http://gifts-pontier.com/cat-hs.htm SignatureJohn Varela (Trade "OLD" lamps for "NEW" for email.) I apologize for munging the address but the spam is too much. >> Some items used to secure ponytails are composed of a rubber core surrounded >> by a cloth sheath, > > Those are called "scrunchies". Photos at > > http://gifts-pontier.com/cat-hs.htm I agree that those are called scrunchies. But these, which also fit Ray's description - http://gregl.net/images/hairbands/Hairbands_on_table.jpg I would call "[hair] elastics", not "scrunchies". Title of the image notwithstanding, I wouldn't call them "hairbands". -Aaron J. Dinkin Dr. Whom >> In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" >> were called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > "Elastics"? That's pushing it. Bootsy Collins and his Elastics? Well, yeah, it has a certain draw to it. SignatureSkitt (in Hayward, California) www.geocities.com/opus731/ >>> Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, >>> possibly, a regional name? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Bootsy Collins and his Elastics? Well, yeah, it has a certain draw > to it. Isn't that Kinky Freedman, etc.? SignatureGood luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com >> In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" >> were called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >"Elastics"? That's pushing it. I saw a bag of 'elastomeric closures' intended to seal plastic biohazard bags. They looked just like rubber bands. -- john >>> In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" >>> were called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > I saw a bag of 'elastomeric closures' intended to seal plastic > biohazard bags. They looked just like rubber bands. I suppose one has to be flexible about such things. SignatureGood luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com > >> In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" > >> were called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > I saw a bag of 'elastomeric closures' intended to seal plastic > biohazard bags. They looked just like rubber bands. I am wondering if the labeling of our rubber bands hasn't changed to elastic bands as a consumer health and information move, since very few products these days are made of true rubber. There are notices in hospital and clinics on the "rubber gloves"dispensers, now being relabeled to reassure people who are allergic to latex (natural rubber) that there is no latex in the products. I wonder how many guys got the itch from condoms and blamed it on the women, before synthetics took over the rubber market. I can recall a HS classmate who had to get rid of a perfectly good pair of shoes because they had expander panels that gave her a rash, and the rubber there was sheathed in cording. That was the first time (about 1953) that I ever heard of a latex allergy, dermatitis, dermatologists, etc. A few years ago, I bought a 1-pound bag of rubber bands that are labeled: ECO Natural Rubber Bands. (Made from natural rubber. Reusable. Renewable. Alliance Rubber Company, Franklin, Kentucky. Manufactured in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Warehouses Nationwide. Bands may leave a mark on certain surfaces. Test before using on questionable items. In alt.usage.english, Maria Conlon wrote: >In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were >called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called >"rubber bands.") > >Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, >possibly, a regional name? Are you familiar with the term "elastic band"? That's what they were called in our household, long before I'd ever heard the term "rubber band". SignatureMike Barnes Cheshire, England > In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were > called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called > "rubber bands.") > > Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > possibly, a regional name? I thought that elastics are what's at the top of panties and such. Rubber bands just wouldn't do, would they? Well, maybe for a severely anorexic gal ... SignatureSkitt (in Hayward, California) www.geocities.com/opus731/ >> In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were >> called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >I thought that elastics are what's at the top of panties and such. Never strong enough, it seems, to keep one's undershorts from slipping down to a position well below the butt -- one of the reasons I never wear them. Isn't elastics, for rubber bands, a British usage? They have lots of funny words over here: plasters for Band-Aids is another. SignatureCharles Riggs Email address: chriggs¦at¦eircom¦dot¦net Charles Riggs spake thus: > >> In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were > >> called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > Isn't elastics, for rubber bands, a British usage? They have lots of > funny words over here: plasters for Band-Aids is another. Actually, the translation of Band-Aid is "Elastoplast" as they are both trade names. But we use "plaster" just as much as Elastoplast - what is the generic US term for a plaster? SignatureDavid ===== > Actually, the translation of Band-Aid is "Elastoplast" as they are > both trade names. But we use "plaster" just as much as Elastoplast - > what is the generic US term for a plaster? We Americans do use "plaster" in a related sense, eg "mustard plaster". http://www.bartleby.com/61/2/M0500200.html (AHD): NOUN: A medicinal plaster made with a pastelike mixture of powdered black mustard, flour, and water, used especially as a counterirritant. Also called sinapism. Mind you, I've never heard of a sinapism. But I wouldn't call a Band-Aid a "plaster". I'd call it a "[self-adhesive] bandage". SignatureJack Gavin >>Actually, the translation of Band-Aid is "Elastoplast" as they are >>both trade names. But we use "plaster" just as much as Elastoplast - [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > But I wouldn't call a Band-Aid a "plaster". I'd call it a "[self-adhesive] > bandage". I think we have the same problem in Australia. 'Band-Aid' is the most used term; after that, we have difficulties and 'bandage' with some qualifier seems to be the only choice. I must ask my doctor rellies what the official hospital term is. SignatureRob Bannister Robert Bannister filted: >> But I wouldn't call a Band-Aid a "plaster". I'd call it a "[self-adhesive] >> bandage". [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >qualifier seems to be the only choice. I must ask my doctor rellies what >the official hospital term is. Somewhere I have a recording of Los Angeles disc jockey Robert W Morgan in 1965 doing a commercial for some brand of the things, and the copy makes him call them "surgical dressings"...he then ad libs "just like Ben Casey wears--to bed".... I'm also recalling a humorous poem in a veryoldjokebook I inherited from my grandmother, in which the narrator, a boy relating the story of his spanking, asks the family doctor afterwards to "put a good soft poultice on"...poultices were not something I was familiar with growing up, so when I recited it back then for show-and-tell, I changed the word to "bandage".... (Random firing of neurons: since Morgan's show was on KHJ, an AM (amplitude modulated) station, and was aired in the mornings, would he have been "KHJ-AM LA AM DJ Robert W Morgan"?)...r > Charles Riggs spake thus: > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > both trade names. But we use "plaster" just as much as > Elastoplast - what is the generic US term for a plaster? The good folks at Johnson & Johnson may sue me for this, but the common generic term is "band-aid". Those who are afraid of J&J's lawyers call them "adhesive bandages", but I've never heard that term used in normal conversation. SignatureRay Heindl (remove the Xs to reply) Ray Heindl spake thus: > > Charles Riggs spake thus: > > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > them "adhesive bandages", but I've never heard that term used in normal > conversation. So what is printed on boxes of Wal-Mart brand band-aids? I went to buy some petrol this evening and noticed that the petrol station (which is part of a supermarket) sells Morrisons brand Plasters (that's what it says on the box). SignatureDavid ===== > Ray Heindl spake thus: > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > (which is part of a supermarket) sells Morrisons brand Plasters > (that's what it says on the box). I can't speak for Wal-Mart, but Shoprite calls them "adhesive bandages". It's one of the many differences in usage over here that aren't apparent until you live here. My image of "bandage" is still a roll of white gauze. SignatureFrances Kemmish Production Manager East Coast Youth Ballet www.byramartscenter.com > Ray Heindl spake thus: > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > (which is part of a supermarket) sells Morrisons brand Plasters > (that's what it says on the box). I just checked my (Austrl & NZ) J&J box. It says " 'Band-Aid' brand bandages help cuts heal...", so 'bandages' is what they think officially. SignatureRob Bannister > Ray Heindl spake thus: > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > (which is part of a supermarket) sells Morrisons brand Plasters > (that's what it says on the box). It's "[brand name] brand adhesive bandages." The people who make Band-Aids must themselves label their product "Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages" because if they simply labeled them "Band-Aids" they would risk losing their trademark. SignatureRaymond S. Wise Minneapolis, Minnesota USA E-mail: mplsray @ yahoo . com > It's "[brand name] brand adhesive bandages." The people who make > Band-Aids must themselves label their product "Band-Aid brand > adhesive bandages" because if they simply labeled them "Band-Aids" > they would risk losing their trademark. Might they have taken their name from BANDAGES (Band-Aid-ges)? m. > > It's "[brand name] brand adhesive bandages." The people who make > > Band-Aids must themselves label their product "Band-Aid brand [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Might they have taken their name from BANDAGES (Band-Aid-ges)? > m. It's an interesting suggestion. SignatureRaymond S. Wise Minneapolis, Minnesota USA E-mail: mplsray @ yahoo . com > So what is printed on boxes of Wal-Mart brand band-aids? I don't know about Wal-Mart, but the Rite-Aid box says "Sterile, Non-stick pad Plastic BANDAGES". The Johnson & Johnson box, which must be pretty old since it's a metal can that lists a phone number but no URL, says "BAND-AID Sheer Bandages" on one side and "BAND-AID Sheer brand adhesive bandages" on the other. SignatureJohn Varela (Trade "OLD" lamps for "NEW" for email.) I apologize for munging the address but the spam is too much. >> The good folks at Johnson & Johnson may sue me for this, but the >> common generic term is "band-aid". Those who are afraid of J&J's [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > station (which is part of a supermarket) sells Morrisons brand > Plasters (that's what it says on the box). My various non-J&J band-aids are labeled "sterile adhesive bandage", "CURITY(R) Plastic Bandage", or "CVS bandage strip", but the manufacturers' lawyers are all afraid of J&J's lawyers. So it seems there's no one official term. I also keep a few token "BAND-AID brand adhesive bandages" around, so I don't feel guilty about using the nice metal box to store off-brand band-aids. SignatureRay Heindl (remove the Xs to reply) > In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were > called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called > "rubber bands.") > > Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > possibly, a regional name? A rubber band is an "elastiek" in Dutch. SignatureBest -- Donna Richoux > Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > possibly, a regional name? "Elastic" was the standard term for a rubber band in Boston in the 1950s. I imagine it still is. I have no idea how widespread in New England that terminology is, but I would speculate everywhere but the New York 'burbs. SignatureJohn Varela (Trade "OLD" lamps for "NEW" for email.) I apologize for munging the address but the spam is too much. >In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were >called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called >"rubber bands.") > >Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, >possibly, a regional name? Rubber bands were always called 'elastic bands' where I grew up in the British Midlands. Signaturewrmst rgrds Robin Bignall Quiet part of Hertfordshire England > >Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > >possibly, a regional name? > > Rubber bands were always called 'elastic bands' where I grew up in the > British Midlands. I was also brought up in the British Midlands (Leamington Spa), and the thinner rubber bands were always called "rubber bands", never "elastic bands". Wider and stronger rubber bands (as a rule of thumb, greater than about 6mm width of rubber) were also usually "rubber bands", but might occasionally be referred to as "elastic bands". Never, as far as I can remember, as "elastics". Just after Christmas I had to go on a shopping errand for my 91 year old mother, who wanted some "knicker elastic". She also wanted 2 metres of 1/2-inch elastic, and 4 metres of 3/4-inch elastic. All these products are referred to by a commodity noun ("elastic"), which is in the singular. "Elastic" is an item of haberdashery. Unlike the rubber band, it is sold as a specified length, not as a closed loop. Richard Chambers Leeds UK. >>>Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, >>>possibly, a regional name? [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > occasionally be referred to as "elastic bands". Never, as far as I can > remember, as "elastics". You see how much difference a few miles makes in the way English people talk: Robin and I both come from the East Midlands. Robin is from Nottingham, and I am from a village about 15 miles north of there. > Just after Christmas I had to go on a shopping errand for my 91 year old > mother, who wanted some "knicker elastic". She also wanted 2 metres of > 1/2-inch elastic, and 4 metres of 3/4-inch elastic. So did your granny really ask for 4 metres of knicker elastic? That's very progressive of her. > All these products are > referred to by a commodity noun ("elastic"), which is in the singular. > "Elastic" is an item of haberdashery. Unlike the rubber band, it is sold as > a specified length, not as a closed loop. Are rubber bands still made of rubber? SignatureFrances Kemmish Production Manager East Coast Youth Ballet www.byramartscenter.com >>>>Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, >>>>possibly, a regional name? [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >talk: Robin and I both come from the East Midlands. Robin is from >Nottingham, and I am from a village about 15 miles north of there. Just what I was about to post, Frances. Leamington Spa sounds more like a bit of paradise than a piece of t'Midlands. The only water coming out of t'ground where you and I were born was pumped out of t'pits. Signaturewrmst rgrds Robin Bignall Quiet part of Hertfordshire England > >You see how much difference a few miles makes in the way English people > >talk: Robin and I both come from the East Midlands. Robin is from [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > bit of paradise than a piece of t'Midlands. The only water coming out of > t'ground where you and I were born was pumped out of t'pits. Yes, I was lucky in the idyllic life I led. Born with a silver spoon, and reared with infinite care. At the end of my expensive education well able to distinguish a rubber band from an elastic one. Richard Chambers Leeds UK. >Yes, I was lucky in the idyllic life I led. Born with a silver spoon, and >reared with infinite care. At the end of my expensive education well able to >distinguish a rubber band from an elastic one. So you're too well bred to get your knicker elastic all twisted? SignatureSteve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7734/stevesig.htm E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: >Yes, I was lucky in the idyllic life I led. Born with a silver spoon, and >reared with infinite care. At the end of my expensive education well able to >distinguish a rubber band from an elastic one. Does 'Arnold Lodge' ring any bells by any chance? SignatureMickwick > In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Does 'Arnold Lodge' ring any bells by any chance? I know where it is. But my education was far more expensive than that. Richard Chambers Leeds UK. In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: >"Mickwick" <mickwick@use.reply.to> wrote in message >> Does 'Arnold Lodge' ring any bells by any chance? > >I know where it is. But my education was far more expensive than that. 'Is'? Good grief! (Do tell, by the way.) SignatureMickwick >>In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: >> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > I know where it is. But my education was far more expensive than that. I know where Arnold Lane is. Does that count? SignatureFrances Kemmish Production Manager East Coast Youth Ballet www.byramartscenter.com >>>In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: >>> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > >I know where Arnold Lane is. Does that count? When I was a kid, Arnold was a suburb of Nottingham, almost a village. My aunt used to live there, but not in a lodge. Now, I should imagine it's just part of the city's sprawl. Signaturewrmst rgrds Robin Bignall Quiet part of Hertfordshire England >>>>In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: >>>> [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > aunt used to live there, but not in a lodge. Now, I should imagine it's > just part of the city's sprawl. Well, it's still a suburb of Nottingham, and it probably still calls itself a village, but there doesn't seem to be any countryside to speak of between Nottingham and Arnold. We used to go for Sunday dinner to the Burnt Stump in Arnold, when my Dad was alive. SignatureFrances Kemmish Production Manager East Coast Youth Ballet www.byramartscenter.com >>> In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: >>> [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > I know where Arnold Lane is. Does that count? I know who Arnold Ridley was. Can I play? -- John Dean Oxford In alt.usage.english, John Dean wrote: >> I know where Arnold Lane is. Does that count? > >I know who Arnold Ridley was. Can I play? We'll get a Wallace Arnold, then everyone can come along. SignatureMickwick >>>>In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: >>>> [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > I know who Arnold Ridley was. Can I play? Stupid boy! SignatureLaura (emulate St. George for email) >Richard Chambers wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > >I know where Arnold Lane is. Does that count? All I know about him is that he has a strange hobby. Signature-ler Richard Chambers spake thus: > > In alt.usage.english, Richard Chambers wrote: > > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > I know where it is. But my education was far more expensive than that. I've not joined in much with the Leamington reminiscences, but I was born there and lived in Kenilworth until I was 11. Daughter is in her first year at Warwick University and is currently looking for a house to rent with friends, probably in Leamington, for her second year. Dad went to Arnold Lodge and Warwick, and Mum went to Warwick Girls. SignatureDavid ===== In alt.usage.english, david56 wrote: >Dad went to Arnold Lodge and Warwick, and Mum went to Warwick Girls. I thought Arnold Lodge was a junior school. I was there for a year or two, then we moved Darn Sarf (on my sixth birthday). SignatureMickwick Mickwick spake thus: > In alt.usage.english, david56 wrote: > > >Dad went to Arnold Lodge and Warwick, and Mum went to Warwick Girls. > > I thought Arnold Lodge was a junior school. I was there for a year or > two, then we moved Darn Sarf (on my sixth birthday). When Dad attended, in the 30s, it was a Prep School. By "Warwick", I meant Warwick School of course, not the university based in Coventry. Except later when I referred to Daughter who is at the University, not the boys' public school. I suppose I'd better explain - Preparatory Schools "prepare" boys for Public School by training them to pass the entrance exams. I have no idea if Arnold Lodge is still in business. Yep, Fiends Reunited has it as "The Arnold Lodge Preparatory School", and it takes girls now. It's web site seems to be broken. SignatureDavid ===== In alt.usage.english, david56 wrote: >Mickwick spake thus: >> In alt.usage.english, david56 wrote: >> >Dad went to Arnold Lodge and Warwick, and Mum went to Warwick Girls. >> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >Except later when I referred to Daughter who is at the University, >not the boys' public school. I should have guessed. (Honestly.) SignatureMickwick > In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were > called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called > "rubber bands.") > > Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > possibly, a regional name? (W Australia) I've heard "lackies" (short for "lacky bands"), although I wouldn't say it was common. No, I'll change my mind on that: "Have you got a lacky?" seems OK, at least for kids. SignatureRob Bannister >> In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were >> called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > wouldn't say it was common. No, I'll change my mind on that: "Have you > got a lacky?" seems OK, at least for kids. I can remember saying "lacky bands" for "elastic bands". I must say that it seems very Australian, though, to shorten the word like that. SignatureFrances Kemmish Production Manager East Coast Youth Ballet www.byramartscenter.com >> (W Australia) I've heard "lackies" (short for "lacky bands"), >> although I wouldn't say it was common. No, I'll change my mind on >> that: "Have you got a lacky?" seems OK, at least for kids. > > I can remember saying "lacky bands" for "elastic bands". I must say > that it seems very Australian, though, to shorten the word like that. It is mainly a schoolkids' term, in my experience. Sometimes also 'lakker band', especially for the thick ones used for making shanghais. -- Regards John > >> (W Australia) I've heard "lackies" (short for "lacky bands"), > >> although I wouldn't say it was common. No, I'll change my mind on [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > It is mainly a schoolkids' term, in my experience. Sometimes also > 'lakker band', especially for the thick ones used for making shanghais. Never before heard of "shanghais". What are they? I mean in the sense of needing a rubber band. Are they like clamps for holding glued pieces in place? >>>>(W Australia) I've heard "lackies" (short for "lacky bands"), >>>>although I wouldn't say it was common. No, I'll change my mind on [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > needing a rubber band. Are they like clamps for holding glued pieces in > place? BrE Catapults. SignatureRob Bannister > >>>>(W Australia) I've heard "lackies" (short for "lacky bands"), > >>>>although I wouldn't say it was common. No, I'll change my mind on [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > needing a rubber band. Are they like clamps for holding glued pieces in > > place? Oh, Yes. In USpeak we say slingshots--a web of rubber between the forks of a Y-shaped stick. I haven't made one in ages, but when I was little we had the innertubes of car tires to cut up. >> >>>>(W Australia) I've heard "lackies" (short for "lacky bands"), >> >>>>although I wouldn't say it was common. No, I'll change my mind on [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >a Y-shaped stick. I haven't made one in ages, but when I was little we had >the innertubes of car tires to cut up. The really lethal ones (which I was never allowed to have) were made of metal, had square elastic of about a quarter-inch cross-section, and fired half-inch ball bearings. I suspect that Steerpike ('Gormenghast') uses something like that. Signaturewrmst rgrds Robin Bignall Quiet part of Hertfordshire England > In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were > called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called > "rubber bands.") > > Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > possibly, a regional name? Older. OED has, from 1847, << With the elastics supplied by the ladies, for a halter+the young dog passed from the shores of time.>> Like others in this thread, I grew up calling them 'elastic bands'. But I knew of 'knicker elastic' and that you could buy a piece of elastic from the haberdasher. I don't recollect hearing 'elastics' but I heard 'lacky bands'. I always thought 'rubber band' ws an Americanism. OED also says << The L. word, together with the related elater, occurs, app. as a novelty, in Pecquet's Dissertatio Anatomica (1651), where elastica virtus denotes the 'impulsive force' of the atmosphere, which the Torricellian experiment (1643) had shown to be the cause of the phenomena previously ascribed to 'Nature's horror of a vacuum'.] >> -- John 'Never seen a elephant fly' Dean Oxford De-frag to reply > In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were > called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called > "rubber bands.") > > Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > possibly, a regional name? In the Boston area, in the 60s and 70s, rubber bands were called elastics. SignatureJ. > > In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were > > called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > In the Boston area, in the 60s and 70s, rubber bands were called > elastics. I already posted that they were called that in Boston in the '50s, so we have identified a three-decade life for the usage. Can anyone extend the period in either direction? SignatureJohn Varela (Trade "OLD" lamps for "NEW" for email.) I apologize for munging the address but the spam is too much. >> In the Boston area, in the 60s and 70s, rubber bands were called >> elastics. > > I already posted that they were called that in Boston in the '50s, so > we have identified a three-decade life for the usage. Can anyone > extend the period in either direction? "Elastics" was the primary term for me, growing up in the Boston area in the '80s. "Rubber bands" I learned from books and TV. I think I say "rubber band" more now, however. -Aaron J. Dinkin Dr. Whom Maria Conlon spake thus: > In a TV commercial (ad) this morning, what I call "rubber bands" were > called "elastics." (Later in the same commercial, they were called > "rubber bands.") > > Is "elastics" a new name for rubber bands? An older name? Is it, > possibly, a regional name? - What do you do with an elastic trumpet? - Join a rubber band. SignatureDavid ===== |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2012 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.