orange stick

American  

noun

1. a slender, rounded stick, originally of orangewood, having tapered ends and used in manicuring, especially to push back the cuticles or clean the fingernails.

---

orange stick British  

noun

1. a small stick used to clean the fingernails and cuticles, having one pointed and one rounded end

---

Etymology

Origin of orange stick

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

“When I didn’t want to be noticed, I would use my orange stick with black tape on it,” Cordingley said, “ … versus a rainbow stick with the trans tape color pattern on it.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2023

"I must get a new orange stick," said Melita.

From Time Magazine Archive

She sat staring at it while Zooey—grinning but perspiring freely at his upper lip—went on using his orange stick.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

He wagged his orange stick solemnly at his mother.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

With his wrist, he briefly blotted his perspiring upper lip, and then he began to use the orange stick to push back his cuticles.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger