Plural now singular?

[RCOR]

Does anyone else hate that things formerly referred to in the plural like jeans, lips, shoes are now often referred to in the singular. I've just had an Instagram story (from someone I don't follow so really an advert) from someone raving about a "jean"....."what makes this jean so good" she went on to say. Also the reference to a "lip".

I have little to bother me I know. But am I alone?

Definitely not alone. ‘A red lip’ surely makes anyone sane want to ask ‘upper or lower?’. ‘A smoky eye’ - oh dear, is the other one ok?

Yes! A red lip.

Just heard someone referring the "black pant" for the trousers she was wearing. It reminded me to come back to the thread to see if I was alone. Glad at least one other person with me😆

Even worse is referring to them as 'she' <shudder>

I don't even like ships being called she. It's an inanimate object FGS.

Someone will be along shortly to tell you that language evolves.

You're not alone in hating it though.

This makes me cringe too.

I’ve always cringed at “pound” instead of “pounds” (money) and “mile” for “miles”. E.g. “That cost me five pound” and “That’s five mile away.”

Not all mutations are beneficial.
While I suppose the reasons for single garments such as trousers and pants being a ‘pair’ are somewhat archaic, there’s no excuse for this affectation when it’s things like eyes, lips and shoes where the description is clearly meant to apply to both of the pair.