Definition of the word specs

The origin of the word "specs" for eyeglasses can be traced back to the early 20th century. The term initially referred to a type of glasses used by railroad engineers and conductors to inspect tracks and signals. These glasses, known as "spectacles for inspection," were often short-sighted, with convex lenses that corrected farsightedness. As eyeglasses became more common in everyday life, "specs" came to be used more generally to describe them. The word is likely a shortened version of "spectacles," with the added "s" perhaps representing the plural form. The popularity of the term "specs" for eyeglasses can be seen in popular culture, particularly in the mid-20th century. For example, in the classic Charles Dickens novel "Little Dorrit," published in 1857, a character named Fanny says, "I should like to know what drawer you put your specs in." This use of "specs" shows that the term was already firmly established as a colloquial word for eyeglasses by the mid-19th century. Today, "specs" is still a common informal term for eyeglasses, particularly in British English. It is less commonly used in American English, where "glasses" is more common. Regardless of the term used, however, eyeglasses continue to play a critical role in helping people see more clearly and comfortably.