Trousers

Gazz · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2009 Karma :

Why are they called 'Trousers' when you only get 1 of them?

And why are they called a 'pair' of trousers as well?

The Artist · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Karma :

You answered the first question in the 2nd question. They are a pair.

A trouser leg
A pair of trousers

According to the internet -

Trousers probably derived from the words trousers-- drawers, trousses--trunk hose, and/or trousse--to cover, truss. They were looser than the tight pantaloon were favored for daytime wear while pantaloons were more evening attire. Trousers were over breeches when horseback riding to keep the more formal clothes clean.

Gazz · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2009 Karma :

Yeah I understand that 1 trouser leg + 1 trouser leg = a pair of trousers (plural) but it is still only 1 garment.

If for example you put on the 2 legs seperately and then zipped or fastened them together at the top once they were on your body then I fully understand, but you dont so whoever created the word (probably the French by the sounds of it) they should have thought a little harder before adding a 'S' and making it seem like your are getting 2 pieces of clothing for the price of 1.

Does the same apply with 'Shorts'?

hellbound · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Karma :

A pair of pants even though its just one item.

But a bra is two cups but still only singular.
____________________
May you always see the road rising up to meet you and your enemies defeated in the mirror behind.

Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

It's a garment missing a collective noun is all. We call a shirt a shirt, not a pair of sleeves.
____________________
"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Bit peculiar. Also, there's a medieval single-leg garment that's pulled up and fastened independently. One is a hose, a pair is... hose. I've never heard anyone say hoses.

https://www.colinmacdonald.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bannockburn2003/stripey-braies.jpg
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

Gazz · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2009 Karma :

English is a funny olde language when you look too deeply into it.

DrDonnyBrago · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Jan 2010 Karma :

Scissors are an odd one.

Together they are one pair of scissors, apart they are two blades. The singular "scissor" is a verb, i.e. you can scissor using scissors.

I think trousers are different in that they probably evolved from things like hose, of which there were two, when these were fastened together they could have continued to be referred to as a pair.