2007-02-07 07:11:40 · 9 answers · asked by biker 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
"Panties" is a slang word for "Underpants" which is a modification of "Pants" which is a shortened form of "Pantalones" or "Pantaloons". ONE pantaloon or one pantalone is actually just one leg-sleeve, as it were. Two makes a full set of what we call "pants" even though the modern garment is completely attached and singular. Therefore you say "panties".
2007-02-07 07:26:16 · answer #1 · answered by Michael 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We use "pair of" in front of panties or pants, slacks, trousers, tights, etc to signify there are 2 parts...or 2 separate holes in the material for each leg to extend.
This is NOT a plural word as some think. You would not say that the pair of panties are on the floor...you would use the verb IS.
This is a collective word, like the others that use "pair of" in front of a plural noun....pair of...pliers...glasses...scissors... etc.
In all of these examples there are 2 parts which make up a whole, complete thing. Half of a pair of scissors can't cut. They can stab. Not the same action.
2007-02-07 15:55:16 · answer #2 · answered by tichur 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe long ago, trousers, underwear, etc., used to be made separately for each leg. Then someone had the bright idea of stitching them together. As a pair of stockings has become a pair of tights (unfortunately!!!).
Why are slacks tight?
2007-02-10 03:16:47 · answer #3 · answered by The Minstrel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same as a pair of scissors. There are lots of similar oddities: e.g. Trousers, Tongs, Shears, etc. No logic, just an anomaly in the way English works.
2007-02-11 12:05:30 · answer #4 · answered by David S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a pair of =trousers, boxers, jockeys, knickers, panties etc.....therefore a pair being plural means the garment is described as such. They are described as a pair because they have two legs, or leg holes.
Just realised an exception....the thong, never refer to them as thongs unless I mean more than on pair, also the G String!
2007-02-07 15:20:41 · answer #5 · answered by Ellie L 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because it sounds cuter that way and men like to say it.
Panties. Go ahead, try it. Panties. See. You like saying that, don't you.
2007-02-07 18:45:37 · answer #6 · answered by Isis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The French call knickers "un slip", trousers are "un pantalon" - obviously they don't think they come in pairs, either.
2007-02-07 15:23:09 · answer #7 · answered by lovelylexie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question. we dont call mens pants underpanties. it should be a pair of panties.
2007-02-07 15:22:51 · answer #8 · answered by grumpcookie 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I call um Knickers....your cheeky!
2007-02-07 15:19:57 · answer #9 · answered by Smoochy Poochy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋