gig-lamps
Definition
Noun (plural): - Spectacles or eyeglasses: "gig-lamps" is an informal or slang term for a pair of glasses worn on the face to correct vision. It specifically refers to spectacles, often implying a round or old-fashioned style, and is derived from the round glass lamps used on horse-drawn gigs (carriages).
Usage Examples
- (He adjusted his glasses while reading.)
- (The professor wore eyeglasses with strong lenses.)
- (She wiped her eyeglasses clean.)
Advanced Usage
"to put on gig-lamps": to put on one's glasses.
- He put on his gig-lamps to read the menu. (He donned his glasses to see the menu clearly.)
"gig-lamps" as a descriptor: often used to characterize a bookish or scholarly person.
- The young man with gig-lamps and a tweed jacket looked like a typical student. (His glasses made him appear studious.)
Variants and Related Words
- Gig (n): a light two-wheeled carriage pulled by one horse, historically used for quick travel; the term "gig-lamps" metaphorically compares the round glasses to the carriage's lamps.
- Lamp (n): a device that produces light; here, used figuratively for eyeglasses.
Synonyms
- Spectacles: formal term for eyeglasses.
- Glasses: the most common modern term for corrective lenses.
- Eyeglasses: another formal synonym.
- Specs: informal abbreviation of spectacles.
Related Idioms
"To have gig-lamps on": to be wearing glasses.
- The detective had his gig-lamps on to examine the clue. (The detective was wearing his glasses.)
"A pair of gig-lamps": a set of eyeglasses.
- He bought a new pair of gig-lamps from the optician. (He purchased new glasses.)