toe pick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Sporting
Quick answer
What does “toe pick” mean?
The jagged teeth at the front of a figure skating blade, used for pushing off, stopping, and performing jumps.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The jagged teeth at the front of a figure skating blade, used for pushing off, stopping, and performing jumps.
Informally, any small protrusion on the toe of a shoe or tool used for grip; a term occasionally used metaphorically to describe a minor but crucial advantage or point of leverage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the term is identical in both varieties due to its technical nature.
Connotations
Same technical meaning. In everyday UK English, 'pick' might be less common for 'teeth' than in US English (cf. 'pick' on a fork), but this doesn't affect the fixed compound.
Frequency
Frequency is equally low in both regions, confined to skating contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “toe pick” in a Sentence
[subject] catches/strikes/hits [possessive] toe pick[subject] uses the toe pick to [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toe pick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The skater toepicked the ice to launch the jump. (Non-standard but encountered)
American English
- She toepicked on the landing and fell. (Non-standard but encountered)
adjective
British English
- A toe-pick-assisted jump (Hyphenated compound adjective)
American English
- A toe-pick-related fall (Hyphenated compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in sports science or biomechanics papers discussing skating techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of conversations about ice skating.
Technical
Core terminology in figure skating, ice hockey (for goalie skates), and skate manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toe pick”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toe pick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toe pick”
- Spelling as 'toe pic' or 'tow pick'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He toe-picked the ice' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two separate words ('toe pick'), though it may be hyphenated when used as a modifier (e.g., 'toe-pick mark').
Standard player skates have a very small, low-profile toe pick (sometimes called a 'toe rake'), primarily for stability. Goalie skates have a more pronounced pick for quick pushes.
Walking off-ice in figure skates is awkward and requires caution, as the protruding toe picks can catch on surfaces.
A damaged or worn-down toe pick can significantly hinder a skater's ability to perform jumps and stops safely, requiring the blade to be sharpened or replaced by a professional.
The jagged teeth at the front of a figure skating blade, used for pushing off, stopping, and performing jumps.
Toe pick is usually technical/sporting in register.
Toe pick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊ ˌpɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊ ˌpɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Catch a toe pick" (to trip or fail, especially due to a minor, unexpected obstacle).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bird's TOE needing a sharp PICK to grip the ice.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOE PICK is a TOOL/WEAPON (for launching jumps, attacking the ice for stops).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a toe pick in figure skating?