How Do You Spell THUMB TACK?

Pronunciation: [θˈʌm tˈak] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the small pointy object used to hold paper in place is "thumb tack." This phrase is pronounced /ˈθʌm ˌtæk/ according to IPA phonetics. The first syllable "thumb" is pronounced with the /θ/ sound, which is similar to the "th" sound in "thin." The second syllable "tack" is pronounced with the /k/ sound, which is sharp and abrupt. Remembering the correct spelling and pronunciation of "thumb tack" is important when organizing papers in the office or classroom.

THUMB TACK Meaning and Definition

1. A thumbtack, also known as a drawing pin or pushpin, is a small, sharp-pointed metal pin designed to fasten lightweight objects onto various surfaces. It consists of a slender, cylindrical body, typically made of metal, with a pointed end and a flat, wide head at the opposite end.

   Primarily used for attaching paper, photographs, or other lightweight items onto bulletin boards, walls, or cork boards, thumbtacks are secured by inserting the pointed end into the desired surface, with the head serving as a stopper to prevent the tack from going through completely. The pressure applied by pressing the head down with a thumb or a finger creates enough friction to keep the tack in place.

   Thumbtacks are a convenient and practical solution for hanging reminders, notes, to-do lists, or decorative items in both personal and professional spaces. They are commonly used in offices, classrooms, dormitories, and homes. Due to their small size and ease of use, thumbtacks are portable and easily stored, making them a widely favored tool for displaying temporary or changeable information.

   However, it is important to handle thumbtacks with caution, as their sharp ends can cause injury if not properly handled or stored. Proper use calls for keeping them out of reach of small children or positioning them in a secure container when not in use, as accidental contact can lead to puncture wounds.

Common Misspellings for THUMB TACK

• thumtack
• thumbtak
• thumbtack
• thumbteck
• rhumb tack
• fhumb tack
• ghumb tack
• yhumb tack
• 6humb tack
• 5humb tack
• tgumb tack
• tbumb tack
• tnumb tack
• tjumb tack
• tuumb tack
• tyumb tack
• thymb tack
• thhmb tack
• thjmb tack
• thimb tack

Etymology of THUMB TACK

The word "thumbtack" is a compound word composed of "thumb" and "tack".

The term "tack" can be traced back to the Old English word "tæc", meaning a small, pointed nail or pin used to fasten or attach things. The use of tacks for fastening dates back centuries.

The word "thumb" refers to the digit at the side of the hand, opposite the four fingers. It comes from the Old English word "thūma", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "þūmô".

Combining these two words, "thumbtack" specifically refers to a small nail or pin that can be conveniently guided into a surface by pressing it with the thumb. The term was first used around the 17th century.