As a youth word, scissors is one of the top three candidates for 2024. But the word has nothing to do with an increased interest in handicrafts.
Scissors as a youth word: Not without the verb “to lift”
The youth word “scissors” is particularly well known in the gaming scene and is difficult to separate from the verb “to lift”. Whoever lifts the scissors admits that they have made a mistake or are responsible for a particular, usually bad, result.
- In this sense, someone who raises the scissors or even simply uses the term “scissors” is admitting guilt for a mishap or unwanted move.
- By the way, the word scissors doesn't have to be typed in black and white. The corresponding scissors emoji is also common.
- Incidentally, raising the scissors can be sent as a request to a fellow player or by the “guilty” person themselves as an admission.
These are examples of “lifting scissors”
Basically, a gamer who isn't playing his best team game can simply say “scissors” to the rest of the team or write on his PC – and everyone will know what is meant. However, the statement usually occurs in a larger context.
- If everything goes wrong, sentences like: “Today is really not my day. I'll pick up the scissors.” The flower means: Sorry, I made the mistake. An alternative would be to say: “Shit, I didn’t want that. Scissors!”
- Langenscheidt himself, who promoted the choice of the youth word, also gives the following example: “Played Fortnite yesterday, but had to pick up the scissors.”
- If someone indirectly points out that he or she or someone else is to blame for something, the word group also comes up “The scissors are up” for use.