TRIVIA

Understanding of the correct usage

The English language is replete with words that challenge even native speakers. One common point of confusion arises with the tools we use to cut fabric, paper, and more. Should we say “scissor” or “scissors”? This article aims to clarify the proper usage and help readers understand the nuances behind these terms.

At its core, the difference between “scissor” and “scissors” lies in the concept of singular and plural nouns. In English, plural nouns refer to more than one of something, while singular nouns refer to just one. However, the word “scissors” is what’s known as a pluralia tantum, which means it is used in its plural form to refer to a single item (e.g. trousers, glasses).

When to Use “Scissors”

“Scissors” refers to the cutting instrument we are all familiar with. This term is always used in the plural form, even when referring to one pair. This usage is because “scissors” are seen as comprising two symmetrical parts that work together, similar to other tools like pliers and tongs. However, don’t be mistaken. The two symmetrical parts are not each individually referred to as a “scissor”, but rather, a blade.

Is “Scissor” Ever Correct?

While “scissors” is the correct term for the cutting tool, “scissor” can be correct in different contexts, particularly as a verb. When used as a verb, “to scissor” means to cut with scissors or to move in a way resembling the action of scissors. “Scissor” also appears in compound nouns, where it describes objects related to or functioning like scissors, but here it is typically used in the singular form. 

Examples include:

• “Scissor lift” (a platform that moves vertically)
• “Scissor kick” (a swimming or martial arts move)

In these cases, “scissor” acts as an adjective to modify another noun, and its singular form is grammatically correct.

There is an interesting superstition about cutlery which seems of rather ancient origin. It is said that the gift of a sharp-edged tool will sever friendship. Perhaps it arose in the folkore of peasants who were uneducated in the use of sharp implements and had reason to think of them as inherently dangerous or malevolent. For example, in the courts of law it was the practice to underline a verdict of guilty by the turning of the edges of the guards’ halberds toward the prisoner upon his condemnation.

This ancient superstition has almost disappeared, although in some lands the recipient of the gift of a pair of scissors or a knife will present a penny to the giver, traditionally a sure way of warding off the curse. However a Danish jingle tells us specifically:

Needles and knives will love drive away, But spoons and scissors will love amplify.

The English language is rich with nuances that often reflect historical, social, and technological evolutions. Among these linguistic peculiarities is the differentiation between “scissors” and “shears”, a distinction that appears to be quite unique in English. This differentiation has historically been put to bed as a matter of size, but this raises confusion when we consider tools such as pinking or dressmaking shears. A counter-theory might offer a fascinating glimpse into the English language’s complexity and its connection to social structures and professional practices.

At first glance, the difference between scissors and shears might seem purely functional, primarily related to size. Scissors are typically smaller, designed for precision work and often operated with one hand. Shears, on the other hand, are larger, sometimes requiring two hands to operate and are used for cutting thicker materials. This functional distinction, however, is just the tip of the iceberg.

English blurs the lines between scissors and shears, creating a less clear distinction compared to languages like French and Italian. In these languages, the differentiation is more explicit. French uses “ciseaux” for scissors and “cisailles” for shears, with “cisailles” specifically denoting large, bowless scissors operated with two hands, akin to garden shears. Italian mirrors this clarity with “forbici” for scissors and “cesoie” for larger shears. Many other languages, such as German, don’t distinguish between the two at all. This stark contrast underscores how English’s approach to distinguishing between these tools is more ambiguous.

The distinction —or the lack thereof— between scissors and shears is not merely academic but has practical implications, as evidenced by disputes within the Sheffield Cutler’s Company. The mid-17th-century contention over what precisely constituted a shear or a scissor among craftsmen highlights the complexity of this differentiation, influenced by professional boundaries and the evolution of trade practices.

   Excerpt from Sheffield Cutlers Marks, Joan Unwin

This ambiguity in English perhaps reflects deeper historical and social undercurrents. The etymology of “scissors” and “shears” traces back to different roots: “scissors” from the Old French “cisoires” and “shears” from the Old English “scearra”, hinting at a melding of Norman and Anglo-Saxon influences over time.

Several regions in Europe have a rich history of scissor manufacturing, particularly those with traditions in metalwork and craftsmanship. Here are the notable european areas:

1. Sheffield, England: Know as “Steel City”famous for its steel industry, Sheffield became a major center for scissor-making in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its craftsmen were known for producing high-quality steel scissors, knives, and cutlery. Although production has declined, Sheffield-made scissors are still respected worldwide.
2. Solingen, Germany: Known as the “City of Blades,” Solingen has been a prominent center for scissor and knife manufacturing since medieval times. Renowned brands like originated here, and the city remains one of the leading hubs for high-quality scissors and cutlery.
3. Premana, Italy: A small village in northern Italy, Premana is recognized for its craftsmanship in producing high-quality scissors, knives, and other tools. The tradition is still active, and local manufacturers are known for producing professional-grade scissors.
4. Nogent, France: Located in the Champagne region, Nogent has a long-standing tradition in metalworking, especially in cutlery and scissors. Artisans in Nogent have been producing fine-quality scissors for centuries, maintaining high standards in craftsmanship.
5. Spain: Albacete, in southeastern Spain, has a tradition in cutlery and knife-making, though it is more famous for knives than scissors. Some artisans here also produce scissors, usually tailored for specific uses, such as sewing or grooming.
6. Eskilstuna, Sweden: Known as the “City of Steel,” Eskilstuna has a strong legacy in tool and cutlery manufacturing, including scissors. The city was an important center for the metal industry in Sweden and produced high-quality scissors through much of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

These regions built reputations based on access to quality materials, skilled labor, and a commitment to craftsmanship, contributing to Europe’s legacy of high-quality scissors and cutting tools.