How Do You Spell PUSHPINS?

Pronunciation: [pˈʊʃpɪnz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "pushpins" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "puhsh" which uses a voiceless palato-alveolar fricative /ʃ/ sound, followed by a short "ih" sound /ɪ/. The second syllable is pronounced as "pins" using a voiced bilabial stop /b/, followed by a short "ih" sound /ɪ/ and a voiced alveolar nasal /n/. The word "pushpins" refers to a small nail used to attach papers or pictures to a surface, often made of metal or plastic.

PUSHPINS Meaning and Definition

1. Pushpins are small, sharp objects used to fasten or attach items to a bulletin board or corkboard. Also known as thumbtacks, these tiny devices consist of a thin, pointed metal pin with a flat, wide circular or square head made of plastic or metal. The pin is designed to easily penetrate materials like paper, fabric, and soft cork and aim to securely hold objects in place.

   With their simple design, pushpins are versatile and practical tools utilized in various settings, such as offices, classrooms, and households. They allow individuals to affix papers, photographs, artwork, notes, or any lightweight items to a corkboard or other suitable surface. Pushpins are particularly useful for displaying information, creating visual aids, or organizing materials on a board that can be easily seen and accessed by others.

   To use a pushpin, one must firmly press the sharp tip into the desired object or surface, ensuring the head remains visible. Pushpins exert minimal damage compared to other fastening methods, as their small size minimizes the risk of tearing or permanently altering the attached material. Their inherent simplicity and convenience make pushpins an accessible and popular choice for temporary displays and collations of information within a localized area.

Common Misspellings for PUSHPINS

• pushpinns
• lunshpins

Etymology of PUSHPINS

The word "pushpin" is a compound noun formed by combining the words "push" and "pin". The etymology of each term is as follows:

1. Push: The word "push" originated from the Old English word "pusian", which means "to push, exert force, or thrust". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic language and is related to the Dutch word "puishen" and the German word "stoßen", both of which convey a similar meaning.

2. Pin: The term "pin" comes from the Middle English word "pinne", which was derived from the Old English word "pinn", meaning "peg, bolt, nail, or pin". Its origins can be traced back to the Old High German word "pfinn" and the Old Norse word "pinni", both of which have similar meanings.