Fobs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small pocket or keychain accessory used to hold items like keys or electronics
2. A device for remote access to a car or building, often through pressing a button
3. An item that signifies one's status or identity, typically worn or displayed conspicuously

Etymology: The noun "fobs," most commonly known today as the small decorative chains or attachments for pocket watches or keys, traces its origins back to the late 17th century. The original "fob" referred specifically to a small pocket sewn into men's trousers or waistcoats designed to hold such items. This pocket was both practical and ornamental, reflecting the fashion and social customs of the time when pocket watches became popular accessories among gentlemen. The word itself likely comes from the German or Dutch "fobbe," meaning a small pocket or purse. This term entered English usage sometime in the late 1600s, a period when men's fashion was evolving rapidly, and carrying small, valuable objects discreetly was becoming more common. The concept of the fob as a pocket soon extended to mean the chain or ribbon that connected the watch to the wearer, ensuring it would not be lost or dropped. Over time, the meaning broadened further. By the 18th and 19th centuries, "fob" could refer to any small ornamental chain or attachment used with watches, keys, or other personal items. This shift from a simple pocket to the decorative accessory reflects changing styles and technological advances, such as the widespread use of the pocket watch. The plural form "fobs" naturally followed as these accessories became more common and collectible, with various styles and materials—ranging from simple leather loops to intricate metal chains—used as status symbols. Though the original pocket is less common today, the term endures in phrases like "key fob," referring to the small electronic devices used to unlock cars or doors, maintaining a link to its historical roots as a small, handy attachment.