Handles: meaning, definitions and examples

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handles

 

[ ˈhændlz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

social media

Handles refer to the username or account name that a person uses on social media platforms.

Synonyms

account name, profile name, username.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
handles

Often used in digital contexts, especially social media, to refer to user identities. Commonly found in informal settings.

  • Please share your social media handles so we can follow you.
  • I have different handles for Twitter and Instagram.
username

Commonly used for logging into various online services. It is the identifier a user creates during account registration. Appears in both formal and informal settings.

  • Please enter your username and password to log in.
  • I created a new username for my gaming account.
account name

Used to identify a user's account on online platforms or services. Typically appears in more formal or technical settings.

  • Make sure you remember your account name when logging in.
  • The account name for your email is usually your email address.
profile name

Utilized in social media and networking platforms to denote the visible name on a user's profile. Often found in semi-formal settings.

  • You can change your profile name in the settings.
  • Her profile name on Facebook is her real name.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to follow me on Instagram, my handle is @username.
  • She couldn't find her friend's handle on Twitter.
  • I changed my handle to something more unique.
Context #2 | Verb

social media

To handle means to manage or deal with a situation, especially in the context of social media interactions.

Synonyms

address, deal with, manage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
handles

This word is used in a more general sense to indicate that someone takes care of or controls a situation, object, or task. It implies competency and efficiency.

  • She handles customer complaints very well.
  • The technician handles the machinery with care.
manage

This word indicates overseeing, controlling, or being in charge of something or someone. It often implies a systematic approach to handling responsibilities or resources.

  • He manages a team of software developers.
  • She managed the project from start to finish.
deal with

This phrase implies managing or coping with problems, situations, or people. It often has a connotation of facing challenges or difficulties.

  • I can deal with stressful situations.
  • She had to deal with an angry customer.
address

Use this when referring to the act of dealing with or speaking about a particular problem, issue, or audience. It often implies a formal or thoughtful approach.

  • We need to address the issue of employee turnover.
  • He addressed the audience with confidence.

Examples of usage

  • She knows how to handle difficult customers on the company's social media accounts.
  • He can handle the pressure of managing multiple social media platforms.
  • I need someone to handle our social media marketing strategy.

Translations

Translations of the word "handles" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manipula

🇮🇳 संभालता है

🇩🇪 handhabt

🇮🇩 menangani

🇺🇦 обробляє

🇵🇱 obsługuje

🇯🇵 取り扱う

🇫🇷 manipule

🇪🇸 maneja

🇹🇷 idare eder

🇰🇷 다룬다

🇸🇦 يتعامل مع

🇨🇿 manipuluje

🇸🇰 manipuluje

🇨🇳 处理

🇸🇮 ravna

🇮🇸 handleikar

🇰🇿 басқарады

🇬🇪 უმკლავდება

🇦🇿 idarə edir

🇲🇽 maneja

Etymology

The term 'handle' originated from Middle English, where it meant 'tool for grasping or holding'. Over time, it evolved to also refer to a person's name or nickname. In the context of social media, the term 'handle' gained popularity with the rise of platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where users needed unique identifiers to distinguish themselves.

See also: backhand, deckhand, forehand, hand, handbag, handball, handbook, handbreadth, handcrafted, handcrafting, handcuffs, handful, handgun, handheld, handicap, handicapped, handily, handiwork, handkerchief, handle, handled, handler, handling, handmade, handmake, handover, handpicked, handrail, hands, handwarmer, handwear, handwriting, handy, handycam, handyman, handyperson, offhand, openhandedly, shorthand.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,399 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.