drawing pin
B1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
A short, thumbtack-like pin with a broad, flat head, used for fastening paper or other lightweight materials to a board or wall.
The term is also used occasionally in a general sense for any small, temporary fastener, though this is rare. No significant extended or figurative meanings exist.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound noun where 'drawing' refers to the act of attaching a paper (e.g., a drawing) to a surface. It denotes a specific, common object with a very concrete meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'drawing pin' is the standard term. In American English, the equivalent object is almost exclusively called a 'thumbtack' or simply a 'tack'.
Connotations
No strong connotations. It is a purely functional, everyday object term.
Frequency
'Drawing pin' is high-frequency in UK English but would be misunderstood or sound foreign in US English, where 'thumbtack' is universal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] pinned the notice [to the board] with a drawing pin.[Subject] stuck/put a drawing pin in [the wall/corkboard].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in office contexts for posting notes on bulletin boards. e.g., 'Please use the drawing pins on the corkboard for the new memos.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. Might appear in instructions for art or design classes.
Everyday
Common in domestic and school contexts for putting up posters, children's artwork, or reminders.
Technical
Not a technical term. In manufacturing/engineering contexts, more precise terms like 'fastener' are used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She drawing-pinned the poster to the wall.
- I'll just drawing-pin this up for now.
American English
- She thumbtacked the poster to the wall.
- I'll just tack this up for now.
adjective
British English
- The drawing-pin holder was empty.
- Be careful of drawing-pin injuries.
American English
- The thumbtack holder was empty.
- Be careful of thumbtack injuries.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need a drawing pin for my picture.
- The drawing pin is in the box.
- Can you pass me a drawing pin to put up this notice?
- Be careful not to step on a drawing pin!
- She secured the map to the corkboard using four drawing pins at the corners.
- The old bulletin board was studded with rusty drawing pins.
- The activist's manifesto, hastily affixed with a single drawing pin, fluttered in the draft from the door.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an architect's **drawing** being firmly held to the board by a single, shiny **pin**.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOLS ARE EXTENSIONS OF THE BODY (the pin extends the function of the finger to 'press' and 'hold').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'рисовальная булавка'. The Russian equivalent is 'кнопка' (канцелярская кнопка).
- Do not confuse with 'pin' meaning 'булавка' (like a safety pin) or 'штифт'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'drawing pin' in American English contexts.
- Incorrect plural: 'drawings pin' (correct: drawing pins).
- Confusing it with a 'drawing pen' (a tool for ink drawing).
Practice
Quiz
Which term would sound most natural in an American office supply store?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a British English term. Americans use 'thumbtack' or simply 'tack'.
They are very similar. 'Drawing pin' typically refers to the classic metal pin with a flat, often coloured, metal head. 'Pushpin' often implies a pin with a larger, plastic head, but the terms can overlap.
Yes, informally in UK English (e.g., 'I'll drawing-pin it up'). In US English, 'thumbtack' is used as a verb (e.g., 'She thumbtacked it to the wall').
It originates from its use in attaching drawings or architectural plans to drawing boards.