Comments | satyrs_lounge: a friend asked and now I shall pass it on

evilgrins in satyrs_lounge

a friend asked and now I shall pass it on

Oct 17, 2006 11:18

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Comments 6

jack_mirth October 17 2006, 19:37:22 UTC

because "panties" is a diminutive of "pants", while "bra" is short for "brassiere."

evilgrins October 17 2006, 19:54:20 UTC

okay then: why is "brassiere" singular and "pants" plural?

jack_mirth October 17 2006, 19:58:54 UTC

the word "pants" is short for "pantaloons", which is a plurale tantum, a noun that appears only in the plural form and does not have a singular version, even though it refers to one or many of the object it names. the two most recognizable in english are "pants" and "scissors".

we_happy_few October 19 2006, 01:36:40 UTC

It's plural because pantaloons used to be in two pieces, one for each leg. They were laced together at the crotch. Which was why you needed a codpiece, to cover up the laced bit.

greenwillow27 October 18 2006, 05:14:11 UTC

Well, that's just too down to earth. I was hoping for a more entertaining explanation-- heh heh.

And Doppelganger, I just have to share with you that my cat thinks your animated icon is just the bees knees. She has tried many times to catch him. =oD

evilgrins October 18 2006, 17:12:52 UTC

I try...