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Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Start/starting/starter pistols/guns

Unlike other sporting events, officials at the Deaflympics discard whistles and starter pistols.

Hi,

Is "starter pistols" in the above a fixed expression?

Can "starer" be replaced with "start" and "starting?" And "pistols" with "guns?"

Thanks.
  

Top answer

'Starting pistol' and 'starter pistol' are the usual; not 'start'. 'Gun' sounds OK to me.

— Mister Micawber

  • 'Starting pistol' and 'starter pistol' are the usual; not 'start'.
  • 'Gun' sounds OK to me.
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3 Answers
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'Starting pistol' and 'starter pistol' are the usual; not 'start'. 'Gun' sounds OK to me.
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"starter pistol" or "starting pistol" are terms of art in various athletic competitions and should not be changed without very good reason, you will cause people to think you don't know what you are talking about. In particular do not substitute "gun" in the terms in question.
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Hi,

I agree that 'starting/starter gun' sounds odd.

But I compete in races, and it's common to use the term 'gun' by itself.

eg The gun went off at 8 am exactly.

eg He started before the gun.

Best wishes, Clive
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