Hand picks is a two-word phrase that refers to selecting or choosing something carefully by hand. The first word, hand, is spelled as /hænd/ with the "a" sound pronounced as "æ" in "cat." The second word, picks, is spelled as /pɪks/, with the "i" sound pronounced as "ɪ" in "sit." Together, it is pronounced as /hænd pɪks/. The spelling of hand picks may be confusing for English learners because the two words can also be spelled as a compound word, "handpicks."
"Hand picks" is a phrase that refers to the action of carefully selecting or choosing something or someone, typically with a great deal of personal attention or scrutiny. It implies an intentional and thoughtful process of decision-making, where an individual exercises their judgment and expertise to make a specific choice.
In the literal sense, "hand picks" could relate to physically using one's hand to carefully choose or sort out items from a larger collection, such as fruits or vegetables at a market. By hand-picking, one inspects each item individually to ensure its quality or suitability.
Figuratively, the term often relates to human resources or talent acquisition, where a person is personally selected for a specific role or position. It suggests a meticulous evaluation process, where an individual is chosen based on their exceptional skills, qualifications, or unique attributes. This personal involvement ensures that the chosen individual is a perfect match and can fulfil the requirements of the role effectively.
Additionally, "hand picks" can also be used in the context of selecting specific items or materials that meet certain standards or preferences. For example, a chef might hand pick fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of a dish, or a fashion designer might hand pick fabrics to ensure high quality and suitable materials for their creations.
Overall, "hand picks" denotes a deliberate and thorough process of choosing, emphasizing the individual's personal involvement and meticulousness in the selection.
The term "hand picks" comes from the combination of two words: "hand" and "picks".
The word "hand" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled "hand" and meant the body part at the end of the arm. This word can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, where it was spelled "khanduz".
The word "pick" can be traced back to the Middle English word "pik" or "pique", which referred to a pointed tool used for various purposes such as breaking up soil or small-scale mining. The term originated from the Old English word "pic" or "pician", which means "to pick" or "to pierce".