Clipping

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈklɪpɪŋ/

Definitions

• Noun: A piece of something that has been clipped off, especially a small portion of a newspaper or magazine, typically used to reference an article or image.
• Noun: The act of cutting or trimming something, such as hair, paper, or plants.
• Noun: A reduced or shortened form of a word or phrase, especially in linguistic or typographic contexts.

Usage Examples

• "She kept a clipping of the newspaper article in her scrapbook."
• "He brought in a clipping of his hair for the barber to match the style."
• "The teacher asked the students to find clippings of words from magazines for the collage project."

Etymology

Derived from the verb "clip," meaning to cut or trim. The term "clipping" has been used since the 19th century to refer to a small section or piece that has been cut off, particularly in the context of newspapers or articles. It was also used in reference to shortening words, especially in the 20th century.

Synonyms

• Cut
• Snippet
• Excerpt
• Extract
• Fragment

Antonyms

• Whole
• Complete
• Full

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈklɪpɪŋ/
• American English: /ˈklɪpɪŋ/ (similar to British English)
• Australian English: /ˈklɪpɪŋ/ (similar to British English)

Historical Usage

The term "clipping" has evolved over time. Initially referring to the act of cutting something, it became especially common in the 19th century as a reference to trimmed portions of newspapers or articles. In the early 20th century, "clipping" also began to refer to the shortening of words and phrases, a linguistic phenomenon that continues today. This usage expanded with the rise of journalism, as articles and segments of publications became more easily shared and preserved.

Cultural Nuances

In modern culture, clippings are commonly associated with collecting information, such as from newspapers, magazines, or digital media. Collectors may keep clippings related to personal interests, historical events, or notable achievements. In some cultures, the act of clipping and preserving articles is seen as a hobby or a way of documenting important life events. For example, in some families, it's common to save newspaper clippings of significant birthdays or achievements, such as graduation or weddings.

More Information

Clipping is a term with a broad range of applications, from the physical act of cutting materials to the linguistic shortening of words. In the context of language, clipping is especially common in informal speech and writing, where words are shortened for convenience. Clippings can also refer to sections of larger publications, often retained for later reference, preserving a moment in time or an article of interest. The practice of clipping and saving articles has been made easier in the digital age, where websites and news services allow users to "clip" and save online articles instantly.