quick survey

Old 06-30-2012, 02:30 PM
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When a cheerleader lands on the ground with feet pointed in opposite directions, would you say "She did a split" or "She did the splits"?

I always said "A split" but most of what I hear on TV and movies leads me to think I am in the minority.
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Old 06-30-2012, 03:09 PM
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I've always known it as a split.
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Old 06-30-2012, 03:11 PM
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I'd say "She is in big trouble".
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Old 06-30-2012, 03:37 PM
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a split takes 2 sides, so she did a split.
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Old 06-30-2012, 10:51 PM
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OK, I'm not trying to be contrary, but I always say "She did the splits". I dunno why...
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Old 06-30-2012, 10:53 PM
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According to Wikipedia:
"A split is a physical position in which the legs are in line with each other and extended in opposite directions. Splits are performed in various athletic activities, including dance, figure skating, gymnastics, martial arts, contortionism, synchronized swimming, cheerleading and yoga. A person who has assumed a split position is said to be "in a split."[1]

"When executing a split, the lines defined by the inner thighs of the legs form an unusually large angle of approximately 180 degrees. This large angle significantly stretches, and thus demonstrates excellent flexibility of, the hamstring and iliopsoas muscles. Consequently, splits are often used as a stretching exercise to warm up and enhance the flexibility of leg muscles."
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Old 07-01-2012, 04:39 AM
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Originally Posted by ptquilts View Post
When a cheerleader lands on the ground with feet pointed in opposite directions, would you say "She did a split" or "She did the splits"?

I always said "A split" but most of what I hear on TV and movies leads me to think I am in the minority.
So funny you should bring this up. Never heard of "the splits" until I moved to Seattle area. In my refined area of PA we always called it a "split." It is ONE thing, not two...and only in Seattle would a bride in a full length wedding dress "do the SPLITS" at her wedding. Oh my!!!
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Old 07-01-2012, 04:58 AM
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The splits.

It's kind of like wearing a "pair of pants", or even "her pants are tight". Pants are only one thing, so why plural ... and why a pair? I dunno ... it's just what it is.
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Old 07-01-2012, 05:52 AM
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I say OUCH
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Old 07-01-2012, 05:57 AM
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Two cheerleaders can do the splits. One cheerleader can do a split. However English is an evolving language usually led by a localism becoming a general usage term. Or the incorrect taking over. Seldom does the "king's English" spread out and overcome bad English just by prevalence - ask any linguist!
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