Dima
spectacles in the UK D'you really use spectacles (specs) nowadays in the UK? I thought it is an obsolete word and completely replaced by glasses.
May 3, 2015 7:20 AM
Answers · 6
4
Our biggest chain of opticians is call Specsavers! Older people still use the word spectacles sometimes. And anybody might choose the word as an occasional variant. But, on the whole, the word glasses is far more common. Since the 1960s there has been a steady increase in 'glasses' and decrease in 'spectacles' in terms of frequency of use, both in the USA and the UK. The decline in the USA has been greater, but statistics show it is still used in the USA. (Ngram viewer by Google will give the statistics)
May 3, 2015
2
Is CALLED ! My mistake in typing is due to not having my SPECTACLES on!
May 3, 2015
As Moira says older people still sometimes say it. Its common to shorten it to 'specs' instead of saying spectacles. You also hear spectacles in terms of glasses that people wear to protect their eyes, in laboratories or industrial settings, i.e. 'safety spectacles'. You also hear 'safety goggles' and 'safety glasses' too so its a matter of choice. You are right, on the whole 'glasses' is used much more frequently but I wouldn't say 'spectacles' is yet obsolete!
May 3, 2015
I used the word "spectacles" and made a spectacular spectacle of myself! :)))))))))
May 3, 2015
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