DON’T CALL THEM GAUGED EARS!!!
Please comment below to add your two cents.
Are you new to the world of ear stretching? If so, you'd better watch out. There are a lot of A-holes in this world. One of the biggest a-holes you will meet is the one that insists that you do not call plugs or tunnels "GAUGES". They will explain to you how a gauge is a measurement or size used to measure your ear. This by definition is very correct. A "Gauged Ear" really doesn't make any sense in the English language. Gauge refers to the size of the hole in your ear. So for instance a 0 gauged ears refers to a 8mm hole.
I feel that if you are new to this world of stretched ears one should welcome you with open arms. You should be able to call them whatever you wish until you figure out the "correct" terms. Some people will continue to call them GAUGES or GAUGED EARS for the rest of their lives, and to me that is perfectly acceptable. The truth is we all know what you are talking about. Some people are just more rude than other people. In fact there will be a point in your stretched ear journey where you will have the opportunity when someone calls your plugs gauges. Will you be the one that becomes a raging hulk and correct them saying "They aren't gauges." Or will you just be ok with the fact that someone calls them gauges?
Just to make sure you know the correct way to use the term gauge earring lets go over a few thing. Gauges will have a lower number the smaller the ear gauge. Typically a person will start with regular pierced ear which has a gauge of either 20 gauge or 18 gauge. The 18 gauged hole in your ear is larger than the 20 gauge hole in your ear. Gauged ear sizes typically go from 12 gauged up to 00 gauge. After 00 gauge most plugs are measured in either millimeter or inches. So the largest gauged ear is 00 gauge. Below is a chart that is used to show the different gauge sizes that is also in millimeters.
For some, calling plugs gauged ears is like nails on a chalkboard, but please do not be discouraged. We have all been in your shoes. My final thought is that the world of stretched ears needs to be more understanding and politely explain these things to our new members. This place we call earth is filled with enough A-holes. Please allow people to use the term gauge or gauged ears when talking about plugs.
We want to welcome people who are new to the world of stretched ears and allow them a place to express their unique style. Let everyone call them gauged ears if they want to. Embrace a community that celebrates diversity, creativity, and self-expression. I will be your friend even if you call the gauged ears. If you want to contact us at Two Feather Plugs and talk about gauges email us at twofeatherinfo@gmail.com
NEW SURVEY BEING TAKEN
What do you prefer? Do you refer to them as plugs or gauges? Or do you say gauged ears? Is it that big of a deal to you? Please tell us your story by commenting below.
18 comments
I didn’t know that people had so much hate about the use of the word “gauges” or “gauged ears”. I’ve called mine gauges and gauged ears for 2 decades and only in the past few years have started also using “stretched ears” when referring to them. Never had any one hate on what I call them but only older people many many years ago would very rarely ask why I would do that or that they aren’t a fan of them but usually they are still very respectful and nice.
Old folk always get angry at the new slang the young whipper snappers are using.
Seriously though – it’s just slang. Get the fuck over it. I prefer to call them stretched ears and plugs just because of the PTSD of having called them gauges to a piercer once in 2007. Fuck that guy.
I agree that people shouldn’t be rude when correcting others on the correct terminology (plugs, weights, etc). BUT! It is certainly OK for someone to correct you politely. You shouldn’t get so offended when you find out you’re doing something wrong…it’s OK! You’re human no one knows everything, professional piercers are more than happy to share their knowledge. “I like your jewelry/earrings” is much better than gauges.
goes to Google to learn terminology so I’m not the guy calling it gauges
Finds article talking about why people shouldn’t be mad when people don’t know terminology
Article doesn’t teach any terminology
If this seriously makes you mad you might wanna get your priorities straight