granny glasses
granny glasses
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "granny glasses" is:
/ˈɡræni ˈɡlæsɪz/
gran- /ˈɡræn/: /ɡ/ (voiced velar plosive), /r/ (voiced alveolar approximant), /æ/ (near-open front unrounded vowel), /n/ (voiced alveolar nasal)
-ny /-i/: /i/ (near-close near-front unrounded vowel)
glas- /ˈɡlæs/: /ɡ/ (voiced velar plosive), /l/ (voiced alveolar lateral approximant), /æ/ (near-open front unrounded vowel), /s/ (voiceless alveolar fricative)
-ses /-ɪz/: /ɪ/ (near-close near-front unrounded vowel), /z/ (voiced alveolar fricative)
Word Form Variations
Singular: granny glass
Plural: granny glasses (this is the most common form)
Possessive (singular): granny glass's
Possessive (plural): granny glasses'
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A style of eyeglasses, typically with small, wire-framed, and often circular lenses, that were popular in a bygone era, particularly among older women. These glasses are often associated with a vintage or scholarly aesthetic.
Synonyms: spectacles, frames, eyewear, vintage glasses
Antonyms: (There are no direct antonyms for this specific style of glasses, but one could contrast them with a more modern style) modern frames, contemporary eyewear
Definition 2: (Figurative and sometimes derogatory) A person, often a young one, who wears this style of glasses to project a certain image, such as an intellectual, hipster, or bookish persona.
Synonyms: bookworm, hipster, intellectual, four-eyes (slang)
Antonyms: jock, fashionista, trend-setter
Examples of Use
“The trend of embracing ‘geek chic’ has brought back a variety of vintage styles, and many fashion bloggers are now championing the return of granny glasses, pairing them with everything from tailored blazers to casual denim.” (Blog Post on The Fashion Journal, May 2024)
"John Lennon, an iconic figure of the counterculture movement, made his signature round granny glasses a symbol of rebellion and intellectualism." (Newspaper article, The Guardian, September 2023)
"In the popular Netflix series, the lead character, a quirky librarian, is rarely seen without her oversized sweater and a pair of small, silver-framed granny glasses perched on her nose." (Entertainment news website, Screen Buzz, March 2023)
"The antique shop owner peered over the top of his granny glasses, a knowing smile on his face, as he appraised the dusty item the young woman had brought in." (Excerpt from a novel, The Timekeeper's Daughter, 2022)
A user on social media posted a selfie with the caption, "Found these at a thrift store. I'm officially a fan of granny glasses! What do you guys think?" (Twitter, now known as X, June 2024)
During a segment on a morning talk show discussing fashion trends, one of the hosts remarked, "I remember my grandmother wearing a pair just like that! It's amazing how a pair of granny glasses can go from dated to totally chic." (TV talk show, Good Morning America, January 2024)
10 Famous Quotes Using Granny Glasses
"He was an intellectual, a quiet man who read dusty books and always wore his simple, wire-framed granny glasses."
"The artist's self-portrait was iconic, not just for the swirling colors, but for the distinct granny glasses that defined his gaze."
"She inherited a box of her grandmother’s old things, the most cherished of which was a pair of delicate granny glasses that still smelled of her perfume."
"In the 1960s, John Lennon's round, metal-rimmed granny glasses became a symbol of counterculture and rebellion."
"For the play, the costume designer insisted on the right accessories, claiming the librarian's character wouldn't be complete without the perfect pair of granny glasses."
"He had a 'geek chic' style, and his favorite accessory was a pair of oversized, circular granny glasses that made him look perpetually pensive."
"On a walk through the city, you'll see a variety of people, from young hipsters to elderly women, all wearing granny glasses with a unique sense of style."
"It was an old photograph, faded and sepia-toned, showing a young woman with a determined expression, her granny glasses glinting in the sun."
"The fashion magazine declared that granny glasses were the 'it' accessory of the season, proving that vintage never truly goes out of style."
"The author’s first television appearance was memorable; he spoke softly and adjusted his thin granny glasses as he talked about his latest novel."
Etymology
The word "granny glasses" is a combination of two older words: "granny" and "glasses."
Granny: This is an informal, affectionate term for "grandmother." It evolved from the word "grannam," which was used in the 17th century. The word "granny" itself became common in the 18th century as a more familiar way to refer to one's grandmother.
Glasses: This word, referring to eyewear, has a much longer history. It comes from the Old English word "glæs," which meant "glass." Eyeglasses themselves have been in use since the late 13th century, and the plural form "glasses" to refer to them became standard over time.
The term "granny glasses" came into use as a compound word to describe a particular style of eyeglasses that became associated with grandmothers. This style typically featured small, round or oval lenses and thin wire frames, which were very common from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. The term became widely used in the mid-20th century to specifically refer to these vintage-style spectacles.
The first known uses of the full term "granny glasses" appear in publications around the mid-20th century. The meaning has remained consistent: a style of small, often wire-rimmed, glasses that were once a popular style and are now often associated with an older generation or a vintage aesthetic.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Granny Glasses
To put on one's granny glasses: A phrase used to suggest someone is adopting a studious, thoughtful, or perhaps overly cautious perspective, often in a playful or ironic way.
Example: "Let me put on my granny glasses and take a closer look at these confusing instructions."
Granny glasses chic: A modern fashion term describing the trend of wearing vintage, wire-framed glasses as a stylish accessory.
Example: "She's really rocking that granny glasses chic look with her turtleneck and tweed jacket."
Don't get your granny glasses in a twist: An original idiom similar to "don't get your knickers in a twist," used to tell someone not to get upset or agitated over something minor. This plays on the image of someone fussing with their glasses.
Peering over granny glasses: A phrase used to describe someone looking at a situation with a critical or suspicious eye, often with a sense of old-fashioned skepticism.
Example: "He was peering over his granny glasses at the young man’s wild story, clearly not believing a word of it."
A pair of granny glasses and a stern look: A figurative phrase to describe a situation where someone is acting in a very strict, traditional, or judgmental manner.
Trading in the aviators for granny glasses: A phrase suggesting a shift from a more bold or adventurous style to one that is more quiet, intellectual, or old-fashioned.
Example: "After all his wild years, he’s finally trading in the aviators for granny glasses and a quiet life."
A walking pair of spectacles: An idiom using a synonym to describe someone who is very bookish, intellectual, or unathletic.
Rose-tinted granny glasses: A twist on "rose-tinted glasses" to describe a nostalgic or overly sentimental view of the past, specifically invoking the imagery of old-fashioned eyewear.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of granny glasses from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
