Irish Pennant

[Carlo]

Wonder about the etymology of the term!

I found this link which sounds like it to me.

[Nathan]

I found this link which sounds like it to me.

I agree with the article. This slang amounts to an ethnic slur against the Irish. I think it ought to be relegated to the dustbin of history. My unit never used this phrase. We called them..."threads". ;)

I always preferred a lighter for dealing with them over a pair of scizzors, although I keep a pair of snips like the ones Kyle posted in my tackle box. They're perfect for cutting fishing line.

[Zardoz]

I agree with the article. This slang amounts to an ethnic slur against the Irish. I think it ought to be relegated to the dustbin of history. My unit never used this phrase. We called them..."threads". ;)

I always preferred a lighter for dealing with them over a pair of scizzors, although I keep a pair of snips like the ones Kyle posted in my tackle box. They're perfect for cutting fishing line.

I'm surprised that given my history and ethnicity I've never heard that term, but then I was never around the Navy much.
I'd hope most any ethnic slurs ought to be relegated to the "dustbin of history". But even with all the folks here that work so hard at being offended, ethnic slurs against the Irish always seem to get a pass here on the forum.

[rlh2]

I've always called them "rip cords".

[slohairt]

As others have mentioned, they are just the basting stitches for transit. Carefully snip them out and you are good to go!

[seanachie]

As others have mentioned, they are just the basting stitches for transit. Carefully snip them out and you are good to go!

As a personal caveat, emphasis on CAREFUL. It is exciting to get your kilt but important to be patient and careful with the basting stitches. I had a near mishap, that ended OK but I have well remembered it. You can also cheaply purchase a seam ripper, just be careful with the pointed edge as it is sharp and can snag more than a thread.

[seanachie]

*** Dupe****

[seanachie]

I'd hope most any ethnic slurs ought to be relegated to the "dustbin of history". But even with all the folks here that work so hard at being offended, ethnic slurs against the Irish always seem to get a pass here on the forum.

Well said...very funny the line between innocuous and offensive with some. Last time I recall this being mentioned drew some rather pointed responses.

[Father Bill]

Well, then it moves from the "active" to the "passive" vocabulary. I guess it goes along with "Dutch wife" and "French kissing." Lots more of those out there where this one came from!



Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion on loose threads and we'll let this loose "thread" return whence I took it!

[Dale Seago]

I recall the term well from my Marine Corps service. The article linked looks right to me.

Well, then it moves from the "active" to the "passive" vocabulary. I guess it goes along with "Dutch wife" and "French kissing."

And Greek L. . .err, never mind.