The word "hand-me-down" is spelled with a combination of three syllables. The first syllable is pronounced as /hænd/, with the "a" sound being short and the "nd" sound being nasal. The second syllable is pronounced as /mi:/, with the "i" sound being long. And the third syllable is pronounced as /daʊn/, with the "d" sound being plosive and the "n" sound being nasal. This word is often used to describe clothes or items that have been passed down from someone else.
Hand-me-down refers to a used or previously owned item that is passed from one person to another, typically within a family or close circle of friends. It is most commonly associated with clothing or other personal belongings, such as toys or furniture, that have served their purpose for the initial owner and are then given to someone else for further use. The term "hand-me-down" implies a transfer of ownership or possession in which the recipient inherits the item without payment or exchange.
Hand-me-downs often carry sentimental value as they are frequently passed down from older siblings to younger ones, preserving a sense of tradition or family connection. They can be practical solutions for families seeking to save money or reduce waste, as well as a means of teaching children the importance of resourcefulness and sustainability. While hand-me-downs may sometimes be seen as a sign of limited means, they can also foster a sense of gratitude and appreciation for shared goods.
In a broader sense, the term "hand-me-down" can also be used metaphorically to describe ideas, beliefs, or practices that are passed down from one generation to the next. These cultural or societal hand-me-downs can shape individuals' perspectives and behaviors, influencing their worldview and understanding of the world around them.
The term "hand-me-down" originated in the mid-19th century and combines two distinct components: "hand" and "me-down".
The word "hand" derives from Old English "hond" and Germanic "handa", both meaning the body part at the end of the arm used for grasping and manipulating objects. The term has remained relatively unchanged throughout history and is commonly used to refer to the human hand.
The addition of "me-down" in the phrase "hand-me-down" is derived from the phrasal verb "hand down" or "to hand something down". In this context, "to hand down" means to give or pass something (an item, piece of information, tradition, etc.) to someone else, usually of a younger generation or subordinate position.