Usage of words for eyepieces
There are several words describing eyepieces:
- Spectacles is used both in Britain and the US, in addition to use by professional opticians. Also in frequent use is the derivative abbreviation, specs.
- Pair of glasses (or just glasses) is also used by some people in Britain and North America. It should not be confused with other meanings of the word glass.
- Eye glasses or eyeglasses is a word used in North American English. It should not be confused with glass eye, which refers to a cosmetic prosthetic that replaces a missing eye.
- Frames is sometimes used to refer to framed eyepieces, although it is not common.
- Lenses is also sometimes used to refer to framed eyepieces, although it is not common.
There are also various words referring to eyepieces with darkened lenses:
- Sun spectacles is a term used by some opticians.
- Sun specs (also sunspecs) is the derivative abbreviation of the above term, and is in use.
- Sunglasses is a term in common usage in Britain and North America, and it is also used when preceded by "pair of".
- Sun-shades can also refer to the sun-shading eyepiece-type, although the term is not exclusive to these. Also in use is the derivative abbreviation, shades.
- Sun Eyeglasses is a term used in America, although it is very rare.
- Dark glasses (also preceded by 'pair of') - generic term in common usage.
- Smoked Spectacles usually refers to the darkened eyepieces worn by blind people.
See also: