paperclip
PAY-per-klip
/ˈpeɪpərˌklɪp/
A piece of bent wire or plastic used for holding sheets of paper together temporarily.
Emphasizes temporary and easily removable fastening, ideal for documents that need frequent rearrangement or minimal binding.
The story behind the word. The word 'paperclip' is a straightforward combination of 'paper' and 'clip.' 'Clip' comes from the Old English clyppan, meaning 'to embrace' or 'to clasp.' While various designs for paper fasteners existed before, the ubiquitous Gem paperclip, though never patented, became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, embodying the simple act of embracing papers.
Word relationships
- clip: A more general term for a device that holds things together, often smaller.
Commonly confused with
- stapler: A paperclip offers a temporary, easily removable hold; a stapler creates a more permanent bond with a metal staple.
Word family
- clip (verb): To fasten with a clip.
Collocations
- box of paperclips
- jumbo paperclip
- colored paperclip
- bend a paperclip
Idioms & expressions
- paperclip diplomacy (informal term for low-level diplomatic efforts)
Example sentences
- "She used a paperclip to keep the loose pages of her lecture notes together, making it easy to add or remove sheets." Organizing notes
- "Just a small paperclip was enough to hold the two related invoices until they could be filed properly." Temporary fastening
Memory hook
A PAPERCLIP is a little metal 'C' that CLIPS your PAPER together. Clip for paper.
When not to use
For very thick stacks of paper (it might not hold securely) or for documents requiring a permanent, tamper-proof bond (use a stapler or binder).
Fun facts
- The Gem paperclip, the most common design, was never patented, but its design was likely developed in Britain in the 1890s.
- Norwegians famously wore paperclips on their lapels during WWII as a symbol of resistance against Nazi occupation.
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