bobby pin


noun

a flat, springlike metal hairpin having the prongs held close together by tension.

Origin of bobby pin

1935–40, Americanism; perhaps Bobby (proper name), by association with bobbed hair (see bob2), in which such pins are used

British Dictionary definitions for bobby pin

bobby pin

noun

US, Canadian, Australian and NZ a metal hairpin bent in order to hold the hair in place Brit terms: hairgrip, kirby grip