Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

Is there a specific name (a single word or phrase) for the pile, heap, nest, clump, cluster, configuration, stack or arrangement of sticks or shapes used in pick-up-sticks or jackstraws, when piled up for play? If so, what is the word or phrase?

Note, in pick-up-sticks straight sticks of various colors are used; in jackstraws, many of the objects of the game are molded or carved shapes.

share|improve this question
2  
What's wrong with heap or pile? – FrustratedWithFormsDesigner Nov 7 '11 at 18:15
If someone says heap or pile, do you automatically think of a nest of pick-up-sticks? Neither word is specific to the case. Is there a word that is? – jwpat7 Nov 7 '11 at 18:41
Ah, I didn't realize you wanted a word that only referred to a pile of pick-up-sticks. – FrustratedWithFormsDesigner Nov 7 '11 at 18:42
The official Parker Brothers rules for jackstraws (found here in several different versions) call it a pile or a heap. In French, they call it un tas. – Peter Shor Nov 7 '11 at 18:53

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Jumble seems to be a word that's associated with both pick-up-sticks and jackstraw.

It's amusing to Google "jackstraws jumble" and note all the instances where jackstraws and jumble are used in association (“The jackstraw jumble of rotting wood made for uncertain footing.”), probably because of the alliteration involved.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.