Tonged: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'tong' comes from Old English 'tange', which means 'to grasp'.
• It has been used in various forms to describe tools with two parts that join at one end, allowing gripping at the other.

Technology

• Tongs are an essential tool in cooking, helping chefs safely handle hot food like grilling meat.
• Innovative designs have led to tongs being employed in industries like medicine, where special tongs can delicately pick up surgical instruments.

Culture

• In many Asian cultures, special tongs are used for serving food, demonstrating the importance of shared meals.
• In barbecues and potlucks, a pair of tongs is often seen as a social tool, inviting people to serve and share together.

Psychology

• The act of using tongs can promote mindfulness, as it requires focus and precision, engaging both mind and body.
• Studies suggest that the use of utensils like tongs can reduce the likelihood of overeating by promoting slower, more deliberate food consumption.

Art

• In modern art, sometimes tools like tongs are repurposed in installations, showcasing the relationship between functionality and creativity.
• Some artists use the action of picking and placing with tongs as a metaphor for control and choice in their creative processes.