Usage of words for eyepieces - Definition and Overview

Eyepiece is the general term for the lens-bearing component of optical instruments. This article is confined to the discussion of various terms for spectacles or eyeglasses.

• Spectacles is commonly used in Britain and occasionally in the US, in addition to use by professional opticians. Also in frequent use is the shortened form, specs.
• Pair of glasses (or just glasses) is also used by some people in Britain and commonly in North America. Compare with other meanings of the word glass.
• Eye glasses or eyeglasses is a word used in North American English. In contrast, glass eye refers to a cosmetic prosthetic artificial eye that replaces a missing eye.
• Frames is sometimes used to refer to framed eyepieces, although it is not common.
• Lenses is also sometimes used to refer to framed eyepieces, although it is not common.
• Cheaters is used in the hipster argot. Eyeglasses were a common part of the hipster persona, for example Dizzy Gillespie.

There are also various words referring to eyepieces with darkened lenses:

• Sun spectacles is a term used by some opticians.
• Sun specs (also sunspecs) is the shortened form of the above term.
• Sunglasses is a term in common usage in Britain and North America, and it is also used when preceded by "pair of".
• Sun-shades can also refer to the sun-shading eyepiece-type, although the term is not exclusive to these. Also in use is the derivative abbreviation, shades.
• Dark glasses (also preceded by 'pair of') - generic term in common usage.
• Smoked Spectacles usually refers to the darkened eyepieces worn by blind people.

See also:

• Synonyms
• English (language)
• British English
• American English