Plastic

02:02 Apr 15, 2020
This question was closed without grading. Reason: Other

English language (monolingual) [Non-PRO]
General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters / Plastic
English term or phrase: Plastic
Plastic Halloween costumes.

Can I omit plastic here, if not, what I could replace with?

Thanks in advance,
S.J
Canada
Local time: 07:40


SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
4 +4man-made / synthetic material
Tony M


Discussion entries: 5





  

Answers


5 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +4
plastic
man-made / synthetic material


Explanation:
Very many objects today are made of various kinds of 'plastic' — technically, usually a polymer of some kind.

And no, you can't "just leave it out" — depending on the context (we don't have), it may have some significance in your text.
Very often, saying something is 'plastic' may be seen as derogatory: cheap, not durable, almost "throwaway" — some fancy dress costumes are made cheaply out of flimsy plastic sheet, which tear easily and are only intended to be worn once, for example.
However, in a different context, but still in terms of costumes (fancy-dress?), this could refer to things like suits of armour, and various other moulded elements (swords, breastplate, shield, helmet, etc.) In this case, being made of plastic means they can be made more detailed, more realistic (but clearly also more practical!)
So that's why you shouldn't just leave it out: But I feel sure there must be a word in Arabic for this kind of material, which is in widespread use around the world.

Tony M
France
Local time: 13:40
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 309

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Charlotte Fleming
25 mins
  -> Thanks, Charlotte!

agree  Taña Dalglish: Still trying to figure out why the Asker wishes to omit the word altogether. Stay safe!//I asked the questions I thought I needed to ask but no luck; always without context; really frustrating especially as we are here trying to help.
3 hrs
  -> Thanks, Taña! I wonder if it is the confusion between 'plastic' as an adjective vs. 'plastic' as a material?

agree  philgoddard: You should have got some points for this.
5 hrs
  -> Thanks, Phil!

agree  Tina Vonhof (X): Depending on the context, it may have a negative meaning: plastic, factory-produced vs home-made of fabric.
6 hrs
  -> Thanks, Tina! Exactly the point I was trying to make above.
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