scotch tape
CommonInformal to neutral (more informal in generic use). More formal when referring specifically to the brand.
Definition
Meaning
A brand name for a type of clear, sticky, adhesive tape on a roll, typically used for temporary bonding or attaching items, especially paper.
Often used as a generic term for any transparent adhesive tape, despite being a trademark. Can refer to the act of using such tape to fix or attach something temporarily.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In the US, it is often used generically, similar to 'Kleenex' for tissues. In the UK, 'Sellotape' is the dominant generic term. The word 'Scotch' in this context has no connection to Scotland or Scottish people; it originates from an old slang term meaning 'to cut' or 'to score'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Sellotape' is the dominant generic term for clear adhesive tape. 'Scotch tape' is recognized primarily as the US/3M brand. In the US, 'Scotch tape' is the dominant generic term.
Connotations
In the UK, using 'Scotch tape' may sound American or refer specifically to the 3M brand. In the US, it is the default, unmarked term.
Frequency
Very high frequency in US English. Lower frequency in UK English, where 'Sellotape' or simply 'sticky tape' is more common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + V (Scotch tape something)V + N (use Scotch tape)ADJ + N (transparent Scotch tape)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Held together with Scotch tape and string (meaning: a temporary or fragile solution)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in office settings for sealing envelopes or attaching notes.
Academic
Rare in academic text; may appear in instructions for craft projects.
Everyday
Very common in household and school contexts for wrapping, crafting, and quick repairs.
Technical
Used in specific technical contexts (e.g., electronics for masking) but often referred to more precisely as 'polypropylene tape' or 'adhesive transfer tape'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you sellotape this poster to the wall?
- He quickly sellotaped the note to the monitor.
American English
- Just scotch tape the corners down.
- She scotch taped the photo back into the album.
adverb
British English
- N/A (This part of speech is not standard for this term).
American English
- N/A (This part of speech is not standard for this term).
adjective
British English
- It's a sellotape repair, so it won't last long.
- We need a new sellotape dispenser.
American English
- It's a scotch tape solution to a much bigger problem.
- He made a scotch tape hinge for the cardboard door.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need Scotch tape to wrap the gift.
- Can you pass the Scotch tape, please?
- The poster fell down because we used old Scotch tape.
- She carefully taped the drawing to the window with Scotch tape.
- We had to improvise and hold the broken handle together with Scotch tape.
- Despite being a brand name, 'Scotch tape' is often used generically in American English.
- The artist used Scotch tape as a resist technique in her mixed-media piece, creating stark, geometric lines.
- The company's marketing strategy successfully led to the genericide of its trademark, as 'Scotch tape' became the default term for clear adhesive tape in the US.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SCOTCHman wearing a kilt, trying to fix his kilt with clear TAPE. The brand name 'Scotch' is unrelated, but the vivid image helps remember the product.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEMPORARY SOLUTIONS ARE TAPE (e.g., 'a taped-together solution').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'Scotch' as 'шотландский' (Scottish). It is a brand name. The correct translation for the generic product is 'скотч' (borrowed), 'липкая лента', or 'клейкая лента'.
- Do not use 'лента скотч' (tape scotch); the word order is typically 'скотч' or 'скотч-лента'.
- Be aware that in Russian, 'скотч' is the common generic term, so direct translation back to English as 'scotch' is understood but may be marked as non-native in the UK.
Common Mistakes
- Writing it as one word: 'scotchtape' (incorrect).
- Capitalization: Should be capitalized when referring to the brand ('Scotch Tape'), but often lowercased in generic use.
- Using it as a verb without an object: 'I need to scotch tape.' (Incorrect) vs. 'I need to scotch tape this.' (Correct).
Practice
Quiz
Why is the generic use of 'Scotch tape' problematic for the brand owner?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Scotch' is a trademark of the 3M Company for its pressure-sensitive tapes. However, it is frequently used as a generic term in North America.
The most common generic term in the UK is 'Sellotape', which is also a brand name. Other terms include 'sticky tape' or 'clear adhesive tape'.
Yes, especially in American English (e.g., 'I'll scotch tape it shut'). In the UK, the verb from the brand 'Sellotape' is used similarly.
In formal writing, especially when referring to the brand, it should be capitalized ('Scotch Tape'). In informal, generic use, it is often seen in lowercase. Dictionaries may list it with an initial capital.