quick survey
 

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.

I've always known it as a split.

I'd say "She is in big trouble".

a split takes 2 sides, so she did a split.

OK, I'm not trying to be contrary, but I always say "She did the splits". I dunno why...

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."

So funny you should bring this up. Never heard of "the splits" until I moved to Seattle area. In my refined area of PA :D:p:D 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!!!

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.

I say OUCH

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!

I have always called it a "split". Add the "s" and it implies two things are going on.

I've always said "splits." Maybe it's a regional thing.

I'd say a split.

I learned it as "The splits"

Well to me the word "splits" sounds too much like a bodily function

It was always a split to me.......

split for me

I've never heard it called anything other than "the splits" not sure if that is just regional or prevelant throughout UK

"Splits" as a kid when I asked this - the teacher said - You have two legs - splits! I personal think it works the way you want it - UN-less the Split(s), police are around! lol

well as usual's i`m different i say splits but as they i`m backwards any way

I've often wondered if the reason it's called "doing the splits" had to do with the likelihood of splitting your shorts/pants when you did it...

I think two things ARE going on with this cheerleader --- pain AND suffering... LOL!