nippers
UK: ˈnɪpəz | US: ˈnɪpərz
n. a small tool used for cutting or gripping, such as pliers or tweezers
n. (slang, archaic) a young child
n. (nautical) a device for gripping ropes or cables
The word "nippers" originates from the verb "nip," meaning to pinch or cut sharply, which traces back to Middle Dutch "nipen" or Old English "hnipian" (to pinch). The suffix "-ers" is an agentive suffix in English, often used to form nouns denoting tools or devices (e.g., "pliers," "scissors"). Thus, "nippers" literally means "a tool that pinches or cuts." Over time, it also acquired colloquial meanings, such as referring to young children (likely due to their small, pinching hands) and nautical tools for gripping.
The electrician used nippers to trim the excess wires.
She handed me a pair of nippers to remove the tiny splinter.
(Archaic) "Those nippers are always getting into mischief!"
The sailor secured the rope with a set of nippers.
Nippers are essential for delicate crafting work.