Many People Actually Can't Tell the Difference! What's the Difference Between Glitter, Sequins, and Lame?

2020.04.13 published

Glitter, Lame, Sequin. Can You Tell the Difference?

If you're a woman, you've probably come across these words in your daily life:

☑ Glitter

☑ Lame

☑ Sequin

There probably aren't many of you who have no idea what they refer to!

But if you delve a little deeper, can you definitively understand and explain the meanings and differences between these three words?

While there is a general image of "something that sparkles" for all three...

Many are likely to not know the definitions and just use them based on their feelings.

There are many products and designs in the world that are named glitter, lame, or sequin.

Glitter pumps, lame gradient nails, sequin beads…

So, is it incorrect to call glitter pumps "lame pumps"?

Does "lame gradient nails" change meaning if we call them "glitter nails"?

The more you think about it, the more confusing it can get.

This article will introduce the differences between glitter, lame, and sequin from their etymology.

@wedding69karin

What is Glitter? What Are Its Differences and Features Compared to Lame?

Let's start by explaining glitter. Glitter originally comes from the English word "Glitter."

It acts as both a noun and a verb, meaning "to sparkle" or "to shine."

But is there a more specific definition?

Surprisingly, there isn't.

Glitter is essentially the "image of sparkle" that we generally think of.

There isn’t a concrete definition regarding the particle size or brightness…

In other words, anything that sparkles can be correctly called glitter.

You can call lame gradient nails "glitter gradient nails," and lame cosmetics can be labeled "glitter cosmetics" as well... Holos used in nails can also be termed glitter.

It may come as a surprise, but let's move on to explaining "lame"!

What is Lame? What Are Its Differences and Features Compared to Glitter?

Lame does not come from English but from the French word "lamé."

Originally, it referred to threads of gold or silver used in textiles. The idea of lame = sparkle arose from the way these shiny threads reflect light.

A traditional use of the term is clothing that contains shiny threads, referred to as "lame."

A product that has fine metallic powder (lame powder) applied on the surface to shine is called "lame paint."

Furthermore, there are no specific definitions regarding the size or shape of lame particles.

It used to refer specifically to shiny threads, but nowadays, it's simply used to refer to anything that has been processed to be shiny!

This means it has a very similar meaning to glitter!

The difference between lame and glitter was simply the origin of the word, whether English or French.

Again, this might be a bit of a letdown.

By the way, "lame" is pronounced as "laym" in English. It means “super lame.”

So, be careful when using terms like "lame nails" among English speakers, as it might evoke images of a super lame nail design.

What is Sequin? What Are Its Differences and Features Compared to Glitter or Lame?

Finally, let’s introduce sequins.

Sequins are materials used in clothing to reflect light, consisting of small pieces of metal or plastic with holes in them. Unlike glitter and lame, it specifically refers to a unique item.

The term sequin is a Japanese-made English word; internationally and among fashion people, they are called spangles, sequins, or paillettes.

They come in various sizes and colors but are an essential material for dressing up at parties! ♡

Are You Clear on the Differences Between Glitter, Lame, and Sequin?

We've discussed the confusing terms glitter, lame, and sequin; both glitter and lame lack specific definitions, so it’s perfectly fine to think of them as "sparkly things."

We understood that sequins refer to specific items. It feels refreshing to clear up the confusion! ♡

Remember this when you come across glitter xx, lame xx items!＊