The term "colorway" annoys the crap out of me

[Anonymous]

Normally I'm one to be like, language evolves! Get over it! We make new words up, who cares?

But for some reason the use of the word colorway to mean color or color scheme is so stupid to me. I guess I'm getting old.

[Anonymous]

I agree, am irrationally annoyed when people use it. I also don't like when people talk about "a boot" or "a pant." So much of fashion speak is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree, am irrationally annoyed when people use it. I also don't like when people talk about "a boot" or "a pant." So much of fashion speak is ridiculous.

All of this, plus “a lip.”

[Anonymous]

Came here to say "a lip" also, as well as "a heel". For example: "paired with a red lip".

Also cringe at "price point" or "pricing". Just say price for Gods sake.

Home instead of house is also silly.

[Anonymous]

My mom is a decorator and they've always used the term "colorway" with fabrics. The same fabric will have multiple colorways.

[Anonymous]

“Colorway” means a color option that consists of more than one color. So if you’re looking at wallpaper that is red, blue and green they might call it the “blue colorway” if the blue is dominant but they can’t call it “blue” because it has other colors. I mean they could, but anyway. I guess it would also make sense for an eyeshadow palette or something. But “colorway” means something specific that’s reasonably useful so idk why you’d be mad at it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Came here to say "a lip" also, as well as "a heel". For example: "paired with a red lip".

Also cringe at "price point" or "pricing". Just say price for Gods sake.

Home instead of house is also silly.

Better “pricing” than “investment.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree, am irrationally annoyed when people use it. I also don't like when people talk about "a boot" or "a pant." So much of fashion speak is ridiculous.

I hate the lip thing. It’s so dumb.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mom is a decorator and they've always used the term "colorway" with fabrics. The same fabric will have multiple colorways.

That makes sense though because it is industry specific, and used in an industry specific context. The same term is also used when discussing wallpapers. Typically, when talking about a colorway, you would be referring to a fabric or paper where there are multiple colors incorporated into the design - so the blue colorway of a design might be predominantly blue, but also have many other colors, while the green colorway would be the same design with a green as the dominant color.

When you and a friend are shopping at anthropologie, I would eyeroll at you talking about which colorway you prefer for the overpriced tee shirt you are considering.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Colorway” means a color option that consists of more than one color. So if you’re looking at wallpaper that is red, blue and green they might call it the “blue colorway” if the blue is dominant but they can’t call it “blue” because it has other colors. I mean they could, but anyway. I guess it would also make sense for an eyeshadow palette or something. But “colorway” means something specific that’s reasonably useful so idk why you’d be mad at it.

This, it doesn't just mean "color".

[Anonymous]

I don't understand why any of this annoys people. I don't speak like this but know people who do and it doesn't irritate me. It's definitely industry speak and sometimes that bleeds into how regular people talk. You also hear this with other industries that people interact with a lot, like people adopting real estate terms or tech terms, because they are interacting with realtors or tech consultants. It just doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My mom is a decorator and they've always used the term "colorway" with fabrics. The same fabric will have multiple colorways.

That makes sense though because it is industry specific, and used in an industry specific context. The same term is also used when discussing wallpapers. Typically, when talking about a colorway, you would be referring to a fabric or paper where there are multiple colors incorporated into the design - so the blue colorway of a design might be predominantly blue, but also have many other colors, while the green colorway would be the same design with a green as the dominant color.

When you and a friend are shopping at anthropologie, I would eyeroll at you talking about which colorway you prefer for the overpriced tee shirt you are considering.

OP here. Yes, this. I was shopping for shoes on Poshmark. The listing said Colorway: black/white. They're just black shoes.

[Anonymous]

Did this thread really just regenerate today? I feel like the exact conversation happened a month ago.

[Anonymous]

Ok but colorway is very much a real word and a technical term, so what do you want them to say?

[Anonymous]

I agree with everyone else that it’s an appropriate technical term. I also agree with OP in that it grinds my gears. Sorry!