A Little Question For You All.......

[ecksey]

We have a little discussion going on in my pub, and we can not agree on the answer, so we wondered whether any one on here can help us.

Why is it that we say a pair of pants when they are only one????

I know we are mad!!!!!

Cara.

xx

 

[FifeJillandIan]

Found this on www.phrases.org.uk:

Why is the expression - a pair of pants - but you don't have a pair of shirts?

: You're not the first person to notice the paradox. The Oxford English Dictionary explains it somewhat. The original word for the garment covering the legs of men was pantaloon. The word pant was often used as a synonym for pantleg, that is, the covering of only one leg. In this case the complete garment would have two pants, or better, a pair. Pantaloon as a garment could be used in the singular, but most often the plural was preferred.

I'm sure there will be other theories as well though

Jill

 

[Whippets4eva]

:blink: :blink: :lol: :lol: :unsure:

 

[saraquele]

well i will apologise to everyone , this thread is probably my fault :- " am i not supplying enough puppy piks cara :clown:

 

[Debbie b]

[SIZE=21pt]don't appologise probably a question we all ask but i am surprised anne has hijacked this thread yet :- " [/SIZE]

 

[ecksey]

Yes sharon!!! i quite agree I NEED MORE!!!!!!!!!

I am very surprised that is hasnt been hijacked yet (w00t) (w00t)

Come on you lot! We need more answers,

Thank you jill, that would make sense. :thumbsup:

 

[affieluver]

cara are you sure your new puppy hasnt gone to your head :- " :lol: