Handles Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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handles

[หˆhรฆndlz ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'handles'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.