Why Are Binoculars Called Bins[Mystery Resolved!]
Are you curious about why binoculars are often referred to as “bins”?
The origin of the term “bins” has long been a subject of debate among binoculars enthusiasts.
This article will delve into the origins of the nickname “bins” for binoculars, examining various possible explanations and ultimately revealing the most likely reason behind it.
Possibe Causes Of Calling Binoculars To ‘Bins’
Shortening of Binoculars to Bins
The most straightforward explanation for the term “bins” is that it is a shortened form of the word “binoculars.”
The word “binoculars” comes from the Latin words “bi-” meaning “two,” and “oculus” meaning “eye.”
This makes sense as “bins” is a convenient shorthand for the longer term.
Many words in English have been shortened over time to make them easier to pronounce or write.
For instance, “photo” is a shortened form of “photograph,” “bike” is short for “bicycle,” and “math” is a shorter version of “mathematics.”
Therefore, it is possible that “bins” is a shortened form of “binoculars.”
Connection to Military Usage
A third possible explanation for the term “bins” is that it has a military origin.
Binoculars were used extensively by the military during the First World War and subsequent conflicts. The
y were used for reconnaissance and spotting enemy positions, and they were often carried in pairs by soldiers.
It is possible that soldiers began referring to their binoculars as “bins” as a shorthand for the term “binoculars,”.
This can be like as they used other military slang terms like “ammo” for ammunition.
There is some evidence to support this theory as well.
For example, the term “bin” was used by soldiers during the First World War to refer to a particular type of observation post.
Furthermore, military slang has a long history of shortening words and using abbreviations to save time and space.
Therefore, it is possible that the term “bins” originated from military slang and then spread to the civilian population
How ‘Bins’ is Used In Everyday Language
The term “bins” is used in many different contexts, from casual conversation to social media to marketing. Here are some examples of how the term is used in everyday language:
- “I’m going to bring my bins to the football game so I can see the action up close.”
- “Can you pass me the bins so I can get a better look at that bird?”
- “I’m shopping for a new pair of bins online.”
- “My friend is such a binoculars enthusiast that she calls them ‘bins’ all the time.”
As these examples show, the term “bins” has become a widely recognized shorthand for binoculars, even among people who are not necessarily familiar with the technical specifications of the product.
Binoculars Alternative Names
Alternative names for binoculars among enthusiasts include:
- Binos
- (a pair of) Binoculars
- Bino’s
- Binocs
- Field glasses
- Spyglasses
- Optics
- Glass
What Is The Meaning of Bins In Cockney Rhyming?
In Cockney Rhyming Slang, “bins” is a term used to refer to “glasses” or “spectacles” (eyeglasses).
This is because “bins” rhymes with “binoculars,” which in turn rhymes with “spectacles.”
Cockney Rhyming Slang is a form of slang that originated in the East End of London, where words or phrases are replaced with a rhyming phrase, often to obscure the true meaning of the conversation from outsiders.
Resource : https://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_meaning_of_bins_for_glasses_in_cockney_ryming
http://acronymsandslang.com/definition/6935431/BINS-meaning.html
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most possible explanation for why binoculars are called bins is due to the contraction of the word “binoculars” into “bins.”
As language naturally evolves over time, the shortened version became a popular slang term used by people to refer to the optical device.
Irrespective of the name you prefer to use such as bins, binos, binocs, or binoculars, they are undoubtedly the most effective device for observing objects that are located far away from you.
