Handles: meaning, definitions and examples

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handles

 

[ˈhændlz ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'handle' comes from the Old English 'handlian', meaning to manipulate or manage something.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to 'handl', referring to the action of using hands to hold.
  • The transformation into its current form reflects a shift in focus from the action to the object we grip.

Design and Engineering

  • Ergonomics, the study of how people interact with their environment, heavily influences handle design for comfort and usability.
  • Different materials like rubber or metal are used for handles to ensure they are easy to grip and durable.
  • Handles come in various shapes and sizes, designed specifically for the item they are associated with, such as teapots or suitcases.

Culture and Language

  • The phrase 'taking the bull by the horns' showcases how the concept of a handle can metaphorically relate to dealing directly with a problem.
  • In technology, 'handles' are often used to refer to identifiers in programming languages that help manage resources.
  • Many cultures have unique sayings or idioms that involve 'handles', illustrating their importance in everyday language.

Psychology

  • Handles play a significant role in our sense of control; having a handle on something gives us confidence in managing tasks.
  • The design of a handle can affect user feelings and satisfaction, impacting how we perceive and interact with objects.
  • Children learn fine motor skills using handles on toys, helping them develop hand-eye coordination.

Art and Aesthetics

  • Handles in furniture design can be decorative elements, adding beauty as well as function to a piece.
  • Artisans often handcraft unique handles as part of their work, showcasing personal style and craftsmanship.
  • In modern sculpture, handles are sometimes utilized to create interactive art installations, inviting viewer participation.

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

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.