hairgrip
Noun: A small, flat, metal hair accessory. It consists of two prongs that are pressed tightly together to grip and hold sections of hair securely in place. It is commonly used to secure bobbed hair or to pin back shorter sections.
The word "hairgrip" is a countable noun. It is primarily used in British English to refer to the item known as a "bobby pin" in American English. - She used a hairgrip to keep the stray hairs off her face. - I need a few more hairgrips to secure this bun properly.
Basic Use:
- A simple hairgrip was enough to hold her fringe in place.
- He found a hairgrip on the bathroom counter.
Describing Function:
- The hairdresser used several hairgrips to create the intricate updo.
- These hairgrips are strong enough to hold thick hair.
- Collective/Plural Use: Often used in the plural to describe multiple pins being used together.
- Her style was finished with a collection of decorative hairgrips.
- Bobby pin (noun): The common American English term for the same object.
- Hairpin (noun): A more general term that can refer to various types of pins for the hair, including U-shaped pins and decorative pins. A hairgrip is a specific type of hairpin.
- Grip (noun, British English): An informal, shortened form of "hairgrip."
- "Have you seen my black grip?"
- Hair clip: A broader term that can include other types of clips, not specifically the two-pronged, pressing kind.
- Hair slide (chiefly British): Typically refers to a barrette, a different type of hair fastener.
The definition is specific and refers only to the two-pronged metal pin. It does not refer to other hair accessories like barrettes, claw clips, or scrunchies. Its primary function is to grip hair by tension, often remaining hidden from view in the hairstyle.
- a flat wire hairpin whose prongs press tightly together; used to hold bobbed hair in place
- in Britain they call a bobby pin a grip