Plugs vs. Gauges — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 29, 2023
Plugs are jewelry pieces inserted into stretched piercings, while gauges refer to the measurement of the size of a piercing or plug. Both relate to earlobe modifications.
Difference Between Plugs and Gauges
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Plugs and gauges are terms often used interchangeably, but they signify different things. Plugs are cylindrical jewelry pieces designed to be inserted into stretched piercings, primarily in the earlobes. These can be made from a variety of materials, from metals to organic substances. Gauges, on the other hand, are a unit of measurement used to denote the size of the piercing or the plug.
The misunderstanding between plugs and gauges often stems from casual conversations. When someone mentions they have "8-gauge plugs," they're referencing the size of their plugs, using "gauges" as a measurement. This can cause confusion, as "gauges" doesn't refer to the jewelry itself, but the size.
Interestingly, the gauge system is somewhat counterintuitive. The larger the number, the smaller the diameter. So, a 20-gauge piercing is much smaller than a 2-gauge piercing. Plugs, being the actual jewelry, come in various sizes to fit these gauged piercings, catering to a range of aesthetics and preferences.
In summary, plugs are the actual adornments or jewelry pieces worn in stretched piercings, while gauges are a way to measure the size of those adornments or the piercings themselves. It's essential to distinguish between the two to accurately convey or understand piercing-related information.
Comparison Chart
Function
Jewelry for stretched piercings
Measurement of piercing size
ADVERTISEMENT
Typical Use
Inserted into earlobes or other piercings
Describe the size of plugs or piercings
Materials
Metal, wood, stone, glass, etc.
N/A (unit of measurement)
Increasing Size
Bigger plugs for larger piercings
Lower gauge numbers for larger sizes
Primary Association
Body modification jewelry
Unit of diameter measurement
Compare with Definitions
Plugs
Plugs are used in stretched body piercings.
After reaching his desired size, he inserted his new plugs.
Gauges
Gauges help classify jewelry sizes.
The store organized their jewelry by gauges for easier shopping.
Plugs
Plugs can be made from various materials.
At the expo, artisans showcased plugs made of glass, stone, and metal.
Gauges
Gauges denote the size of a piercing or plug.
He's thinking of going from 12-gauge to 8-gauge.
Plugs
Plugs are a popular form of body modification adornment.
At the concert, many attendees sported decorative plugs.
Gauges
A larger gauge number indicates a smaller diameter.
Many standard piercings are 20-gauge, much smaller than a 4-gauge.
Plugs
Plugs are cylindrical pieces of jewelry.
She bought a beautiful pair of wooden plugs for her stretched earlobes.
Gauges
Gauges are a unit of measurement.
She had difficulty finding earrings for her 16-gauge piercings.
Plugs
An object, such as a cork or a wad of cloth, used to fill a hole tightly; a stopper.
Gauges
Gauges are essential for determining jewelry compatibility.
She ensured her new jewelry matched her current gauges before purchasing.
Plugs
A dense mass of material that obstructs a passage.
Gauges
Plural of gauge
Plugs
A usually cylindrical or conic piece cut from something larger, often as a sample.
Plugs
A fitting, commonly with two metal prongs for insertion in a fixed socket, used to connect an appliance to a power supply.
Plugs
A spark plug.
Plugs
A hydrant.
Plugs
A flat cake of pressed or twisted tobacco.
Plugs
A piece of chewing tobacco.
Plugs
(Geology) A mass of igneous rock filling the vent of a volcano.
Plugs
(Informal) A favorable public mention of a commercial product, business, or performance, especially when broadcast.
Plugs
(Slang) Something inferior, useless, or defective, especially an old, worn-out horse.
Plugs
(Slang) A gunshot or bullet
A plug in the back.
Plugs
A fishing lure having a hook or hooks.
Plugs
To fill (a hole) tightly with or as if with a plug; stop up.
Plugs
To insert (something) as a plug
Plugged a cork in the bottle.
Plugs
To insert in an appropriate place or position
Plug a quarter into the parking meter.
Plugged the variables into the equation.
Plugs
To hit with a bullet; shoot.
Plugs
To hit with the fist; punch.
Plugs
(Informal) To publicize (a product, for example) favorably, as by mentioning on a broadcast
Authors who plug their latest books on TV talk shows.
Plugs
To become stopped up or obstructed
A gutter that plugged up with leaves.
Plugs
(Informal) To move or work doggedly and persistently
“You may plug along fifty years before you get anywhere” (Saul Bellow).
Plugs
Plural of plug
Plugs
Infl of plug
Plugs
Plugs fit snugly in the piercing, unlike hoop earrings.
She chose plugs over tunnels for a solid appearance.
Common Curiosities
Can the term gauges be used to describe plugs?
While often done informally, it's technically incorrect. Gauges measure size, while plugs are the jewelry.
Can plugs be made of any material?
Plugs can be made from various materials, including metal, wood, glass, stone, and more.
Do gauges refer to a type of jewelry?
No, gauges refer to the measurement of the size of a piercing or piece of jewelry like a plug.
Are gauges and millimeters the same?
No. While both are units of measurement, gauges are specific to piercings and wire thickness, whereas millimeters are a metric measurement of length.
What are plugs primarily used for?
Plugs are jewelry pieces designed for stretched piercings, primarily in the earlobes.
Why would someone choose a plug over other jewelry types?
Plugs offer a distinct aesthetic, especially at larger sizes that other jewelry types can't accommodate.
How do I care for my plugs?
Clean them regularly and ensure they're made from non-reactive, body-safe materials.
How do I know which gauge size is larger?
In the gauge system, a lower number indicates a larger size. For instance, 2-gauge is larger than 10-gauge.
Can all piercings use plugs?
While plugs are most commonly associated with earlobes, any sufficiently stretched piercing can potentially accommodate a plug.
How do I transition to a larger plug size?
Gradually stretch your piercing using tapers or by gradually using plugs of increasing sizes, always ensuring safe and hygienic practices.
Is there a maximum gauge size for piercings?
There's no set maximum, but individual anatomy and safety considerations can limit how large one can stretch a piercing.
Is there a standard gauge size for regular ear piercings?
Yes, standard earlobe piercings are often done at 20-gauge or 18-gauge.
Can I switch between different gauge sizes easily?
It's not recommended to frequently change gauge sizes, as it can cause strain on the piercing.
Is stretching to accommodate larger plugs permanent?
While some elasticity remains, stretching beyond certain sizes can be permanent or require surgical intervention to reverse.
What's the difference between plugs and tunnels?
Both are for stretched piercings, but tunnels are hollow, allowing you to see through the piercing, while plugs are solid.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Ice Cream vs. Kulfi
Next Comparison
Oat Bran vs. Rolled OatsAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
