Noun Pronunciation: IPA: ˈfɔrˌaɪz/foh-er aiz
Originally coined in 1874 this term was a derogatory phrase used to attack people who wore glasses.
The origins of this word are unknown, but a few theories exist:
1. People thought of the
glass lenses as a second set of eyes.
2. Due to how
thick lenses used to be, they would sometimes reflect the things around them making it seem like the wearer had more eyes than usual.
This term is typically used by school
children with intent to bully but can also be heard in more adult-oriented settings. Though, adults typically use it jokingly.
Its adjective counterpart: "four-eyed"
"
Hey, four-eyes, why don't you give me your lunch
money?"
"
Hey, four-eyes. When are you gonna get your work done?"
Adjective "The four-eyed freak."