Pincushion query!

Flak -- here? LOL
Pillows are for one's head and cushions are not. I think one issue is here in the USA too many spend time sleeping or lounging on a couch using the "throw pillows" to rest our heads -- making them pillows instead of cushions.
Thanks for the laughs!

Funny. I first noticed the difference when we had the pillow/cushion swap. We sit on cushions and lay on pillows but then why do we have throw pillows on the chair or sofa that we lean against? We neither sit or lie on them, unless you lie down, then you might put your head on one. Now I have created a problem that I will ponder all day.

1 comment

by spendlove 11 Jun 2016

Those "throw pillows" are cushions here.

You have far too much time on your hands............................!

Concise English Dictionary:
Pincushion (n) - A small well-padded cushion in which pins are stuck ready for use.
Cushion (n) -1. A bag filled with a yielding substance, used for sitting on, leaning against, etc. 2. something resembling a cushion in function or appearance, specially one to support or pad or to absorb shock. 3. the resilient felt covered rim of a billiard table. 4. to place on or as on a cushion. 5. to provide with cushions. 6. to protect. 7. to lessen or suppress the effects of. 8. to provide with a means of absorbing shock.
Pillow (n) - 1. a cloth case stuffed with feathers, foam, rubber, etc. used to support the head, especially during sleep. 2. also called a 'cushion,' a padded cushion or board on which pillow lace is made. 3. anything like a pillow in shape or function. 4. to rest (one's head) on or as if on a pillow. 5. to serve as a pillow for.

Yes, Mrs. UK Moderator, you and that Aussie Pennifold person caught me. This item is beginning to get like the Great Scissor Debate of a few moons ago..................and no, I'm not going to be dragged back into that one.

Note to website owner and Head Honchoess Moderator: One of these UK Moderators is a minx and has far too much time on her hands!!!

3 comments

by spendlove 11 Jun 2016

LOL! Of course you use the Concise English English Dictionary which doesn't cross oceans!

by rescuer 11 Jun 2016

LOL
I happen to have and use an English dictionary (a real English dictionary). It does cause issues when typing though as many words are spelled wrong here in the States. ;)

by jrob 11 Jun 2016

I'm just going to go lie down with my head cushioned on my pillow.

Thanks for the topic and giggle I'm with Meg and Kate a cushion is something you sit on or stick things into and a pillow is for our heads. Marian

Because the pin sits on the the cushion. The pin does not lie on the on the pillow. My friend from Jamaica also called pillows for the chairs and sofa cushions. So I guess the divide gets the islands also. Tonight I will sleep with my head on my pillow and tomorrow I will sit on my cushion. Also , being a southern girl, I was never called a Yank until I went to Europe. That is a insult to a southern girl. We love you any way. Kay

What?? We call cushions cushions and pillows. It depends on the shape. If it is 2 squares stitched together it is a pillow. If it has sides to it, it is a cushion.

1 comment

by jgwatchorn 11 Jun 2016

I totally agree.....

Isn't the English language an amazing tool? Great subject, I am expecting Dennis to have a go at this one! Love Chris

P.S. Hope you had a great time at the J club.

1 comment

by spendlove edited 11 Jun 2016

We did, thanks.

I think I need to go get an aspirin...

1 comment

by cfidl 10 Jun 2016

Lol!

I agree with Meganne, we have pillows on the bed and cushions to sit on. Sooo, I guess my pins sit on a cushion???, I don't know the answer but I love these discussions because the enrich our world and lives. I have always used a thimble on my finger to sew but when I was in Germany, I was told it is a finger hat. It makes sense. Should I go out now too? Hugs and flowers to all.

1 comment

by mops 18 Jun 2016

We call a thimble a vingerhoed which translates into finger hat too.

LOL

You make me laugh! I love these interesting tidbits. My take on this is simple. Isn't it grand that language is so rich and so fluid. You can come back now.

1 comment

by spendlove 10 Jun 2016

I have - after spending the afternoon at a J-club meeting.

I'm thinking linguistically, cushion is the older, more old-fashioned word. So, it makes sense to me that we would call it a pincushion, as it seems to be a very old-fashioned idea! Years ago I had a list of "British-isms" that I taught my English students in America, so they could see the richness of our language heritage. When I finally took the big trip across the water, I was only brought up short ("what do they mean?") three times. So I would say the language has ameliorated due to cable tv and the internet and increased travel and mixing of cultures! The world has become a smaller place.

Sue I have been using this little pillow/cushion for pins by my embroidery machine for years so I think it could very well be called a pin pillow LOL/Lillian

1 images:[1]

2 comments

by graceandham 10 Jun 2016

Lillian, this is such a sweet little cushion! Looks like old-fashioned hand work. Did you make it or was it a gift?

by lbrow 10 Jun 2016

It was a gift from my daughter. The green velvet is fading but the ribbon embroidery stays beautiful. She is the only one of us that has done the ribbon embroidery.

Funny Ladies!!!
Kathy

Geography was my weak subject I'll have to check an Atlas, be right back

Aaaaah! Got it! But don't they also have cushions?

Now you've got me thinking because Aussies rest their heads on pillows to sleep, but we have cushions on our chairs and lounges. ????
Too hard. It hurts when you think too much! LOL!

1 comment

by lbrow edited 10 Jun 2016

Meg most of us over here definitely call the seats in furniture, sofa, chairs, whatever, cushions, I say a pillow on bed, cushions your head. LIllian