This is a word that is incorrectly used by many people to describe the jewelry worn in stretched
earlobe piercings. The Gauge system is actually a system of measurement, initially created to measure
the thickness of wire and other cylindrical objects. Calling a piece of jewelry a 'gauge' is equivalent to calling it an 'inch' or a 'millimeter.' Just because you're wearing a piece of jewelry which measures 2 gauge in size does not mean it would be proper to say "I'm wearing
gauges."
Incorrect Use: "I want to buy some new
gauges." also "How big are your gauges, bro?!"
Correct Use: "I want to buy some 4 gauge plugs." or "This piece of jewelry is 12 Gauge
5/8" tongue
labret."
"What size are your plugs?" or "What size jewelry are you wearing in your ears?" are effective ways of inquiring about someone's stretched
earlobe piercings without making yourself look like an idiot. Walking into a piercing studio and saying "I want some new gauges," is also incorrect. Try saying "I'm looking for some 4 gauge plugs." or playing it even safer, "I'm looking for new earrings."
