Eyesores

/ˈaɪˌsɔrz/ noun

Definition

Plural of eyesore; things that are very ugly or unpleasant to look at.

Etymology

From 'eye' + 'sore' (painful). Originally a 16th-century coinage meaning something literally painful to the eyes, combining the organ with an adjective suggesting discomfort.

Kelly Says

The term 'eyesore' is a perfect example of how English metaphorically applies physical pain ('sore') to aesthetic displeasure—our language treats visual offense almost like a wound, showing how seriously we take what we see.

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