Omar Khalid
The flat plastic string used in crafting is known by many names, including gimp, scoubidou, scoobies, lanyard, boondoggle, and plastic lacing. While gimp is a widely recognised term, it is considered ableist by some and less offensive alternatives such as boondoggle or plastic lacing are often preferred. The term used often depends on the region, with people in California and Ontario, for example, opting for boondoggle or lanyard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Scoubidou, Craftlace, scoobies, lanyard, gimp, boondoggle, moondoggle, rex lace, pling, plastic lacing |
| Origin | France |
| Year | 1950s |
| Composition | Flat plastic strips or tubes |
| Properties | Stretchy, neon, comes in many colours |
| Use | Braided into bracelets, key chains, friendship bands, trinkets, etc. |
| Knots | Square stitch, double spiral, cobra stitch, super cobra, Chinese staircase, super-16 |
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What You'll Learn
'Gimp' is an ableist slur
The flat plastic string used in crafts is known by several names, including "gimp thread", "scoubidou", "lanyard", "gimp", "boondoggle", "scoobies", and "craftlace". The term "gimp", when used to refer to a person with a physical disability, is considered an ableist slur. While the word "gimp" has been used to describe a type of thread since the 15th century, its usage as a derogatory term for individuals with physical disabilities is more recent.
The modern and colloquial usage of the word "gimp" as an ableist insult has led to debates about renaming the GIMP image editor software, with developers acknowledging the term's negative connotations and potential impact on marketability.
The flat plastic string, commonly known as "gimp", gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, especially among children and teenagers who used it to create bracelets, keychains, and other crafts. However, the use of the word "gimp" in this context has been questioned due to its association with the ableist slur.
Some people who grew up using the term "gimp" for the plastic string may be unaware of its offensive connotations, as evidenced by a Buzzfeed article where the author expressed surprise at their coworkers' horrified reaction to the word. This highlights the importance of staying informed about the evolving nature of language and being open to learning about terms that may be considered offensive or harmful to certain communities.
While the plastic string is still commonly referred to as "gimp" in some regions, alternative terms like "scoubidou", "lanyard", or "boondoggle" are preferred by others to avoid the negative associations of the word "gimp" as an ableist slur.
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'Scoubidou' is the French name
Scoubidou is the French name for the flat plastic string that became a fad in the late 1950s and has remained popular. It is named after a 1958 song of the same name by the French singer Sacha Distel. Scoubidou uses commercially supplied plastic strips or tubes. The most common type of thread used for this craft is flat and comes in various colours. It is sometimes called "lanyard" or "gimp thread", depending on the region. Gimp, however, is considered an ableist slur when used to refer to a person with a physical disability. As a result, some people prefer to use alternative terms such as "boondoggle", "moondoggle", or "plastic lacing".
Scoubidou can be used to make a variety of items by binding the plastic strips together with knots. The square stitch, also known as the box stitch, is the most common knot used in making keychains. It involves crossing opposite ends of two strands and then going over and under the strings with the other ends. More complex stitches can be created by using more strands. The cobra stitch (or snake) involves tying two strands around two other strands back and forth. A super cobra (or king cobra) is made by tying the strands around the cobra itself, resulting in a wider and larger shape.
The elasticity and hollow cross-section of scoubidou threads allow them to collapse and deform when pulled, forming tight and stable knots. This property makes scoubidou ideal for creating key chains, friendship bands, and other trinkets through weaving. More complicated shapes and figures can also be created. The craft's creations are similar to traditional corn dollies and macrame.
Scoubidou experienced a resurgence in fashion in various countries during the 1980s and again in 2004-2005. It was particularly popular in the 1990s, when children braided the plastic strips into bracelets and added beads to them.
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'Boondoggle' is a fun alternative
The flat plastic string used in crafts is known by many names, including "gimp", "scoubidou", "scoobies", "lanyard", "gimp thread", "rex lace", and "boondoggle". While "gimp" is the most common name for the plastic string, it is also an ableist slur when used to describe a person with a physical disability. As a result, some people prefer to use alternative terms such as "boondoggle" or "plastic lacing".
Boondoggle is a fun alternative name for flat plastic string. The term has been used for woven braids for a long time and is more playful and interesting than the industry term "plastic lacing". The word "boondoggle" also has a surprising etymology, which some people find intriguing.
The use of "boondoggle" as an alternative to "gimp" is particularly prevalent in certain regions, such as Ontario, where people stopped using "gimp" when they realised it was ableist. In addition to "boondoggle", some people in Ontario also use terms like "lanyard lacing" or made-up names like pling to avoid offence.
The preference for using non-offensive terminology is understandable, as it is important to avoid causing harm or offence, even if it is unintentional. This is especially important when it comes to language that can be hurtful to marginalised communities. By choosing alternative terms like "boondoggle", people can still enjoy the craft of knotting and braiding plastic strings without contributing to harmful language.
Overall, "boondoggle" is a fun, interesting, and inclusive alternative to other names for flat plastic string. It captures the playful and creative nature of the craft while avoiding the potential harm caused by ableist language.
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'Plastic lacing' is the industry term
Plastic lacing is the term used by the craft industry to refer to the plastic string that has been called by various names, including "gimp", "scoubidou", "scoobies", "lanyard", "boondoggle", "rex lace", and "craftlace". The term "gimp" is the most common among the general public, but it has been deemed ableist by some, who have suggested alternatives such as "boondoggle" and "plastic lacing".
The plastic lacing is flat and comes in many colours. It is used in knotting crafts to make items such as keychains, friendship bands, and other trinkets by binding the strips or tubes together with knots. The craft is said to have originated in France in the late 1950s and was named after a song by the French singer Sacha Distel. It became popular in the 1980s and again in 2004 and 2005.
The most common knot used in making keychains with plastic lacing is the square stitch or box stitch, which involves crossing opposite ends of the lace and then going over and under strands to create a weave. More complex stitches can be made by using more strands. Other stitches include the cobra stitch, or snake, which involves tying two strands around two other strands back and forth, and the double spiral, or twist, which is similar to the spiral knot but with double the number of strings.
The plastic lacing is commercially supplied and comes in two main varieties. The first is flat, coloured strips, and the second is supple, round, and hollow plasticised PVC tubes, usually about 80 centimetres in length.
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'Lanyard' is also used
Lanyard is also used to refer to the flat plastic string. Lanyard is derived from the French word 'scoubidou', which is the name of a song by the French singer Sacha Distel. Scoubidou is a knotting craft that uses commercially supplied plastic strips or tubes. The most common type of scoubidou thread is flat and comes in many colours. It is often called "lanyard" or "gimp thread", depending on the region.
Lanyard is also used to refer to the plastic lacing that is used to make keychains, bracelets, and other trinkets. The plastic lacing is braided or woven together to create different shapes and figures. Lanyards can also be made from this plastic lacing, which is where the name comes from.
The term "lanyard" is often used interchangeably with "gimp", which is another name for the flat plastic string. However, the use of the term "gimp" has declined in recent years due to its ableist connotations. As a result, other terms such as "boondoggle" or "moondoggle" have become more common.
The use of the term "lanyard" to refer to the flat plastic string may be regional, as it is more commonly used in certain areas than others. It is also worth noting that "lanyard" can refer to a variety of different types of cords or strings, so the context is important to understand which type of lanyard is being discussed.
In summary, lanyard is a commonly used term for the flat plastic string and is derived from the French craft of scoubidou. It is often used interchangeably with "gimp" but has become a more popular term due to the offensive nature of "gimp". Lanyard is also used to refer to the plastic lacing created from the flat plastic string and the items made from it, such as keychains and bracelets.
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Frequently asked questions
The flat plastic string is called Scoubidou, which is the name of the knotting craft that uses this material. It is also known as gimp, lanyard, rex lace, craftlace, scoobies, or boondoggle.
Scoubidou is used to make items such as keychains, friendship bands, and other trinkets by binding plastic strips or tubes together with knots.
Some common Scoubidou stitches include the square stitch, double spiral, cobra stitch, super cobra, and Chinese staircase.
The box stitch, or square stitch, is the most common knot used in making keychains. It uses two strands of Scoubidou and creates a woven pattern.
Scoubidou originated in France, where it became a fad in the late 1950s and has remained popular since. It is named after a 1958 song by French singer Sacha Distel.
