string trimmer

STRING TRIMMER? WEED EATER? WEED WACKER? WHAT DO YOU REALLY CALL IT?

If you’ve ever been shopping online for garden tools and found yourself staring at listings for “string trimmer,” “weed eater,” and “weed wacker,” unsure which to pick, you’re not alone.. These names all seem to point to the same whirring, string-slinging tool used to clean up grass and weeds around the edges of your yard - but what is it actually called?

Well, if you are ready to find out, forget everything you thought you knew and let's dive in.

The “String Trimmer” - The Official Name

In technical terms, string trimmer is the most accurate and industry-accepted name. It describes exactly what the tool does: it trims grass using a fast-spinning nylon string. Manufacturers and retailers tend to favor this name, especially when listing features or writing instruction manuals. So if you’re searching for one online, “string trimmer” is your safest bet.

The “Weed Eater” - A Brand Name Turned Common Term

This is where things get interesting. Weed Eater was originally a brand name. The Weed Eater company was founded in the 1970s by George Ballas, who came up with the idea after watching the spinning bristles of a car wash and thinking, “Hey, that could cut grass!” He developed a lightweight tool using fishing line, and the rest is history.

The name “Weed Eater” caught on so well that many people still use it generically to describe any string trimmer, regardless of brand. Especially in the southern United States, “weed eater” is often the go-to term.

The “Weed Wacker” - Popular Slang (and Also a Trademark)

Weed wacker is another popular slang term, and like “weed eater,” it started out as a brand name. It was actually trademarked by the Emerson Electric Company. While not as commonly used in official product descriptions, “weed wacker” has found a solid place in everyday conversation, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. It’s vivid, slightly aggressive, and honestly kind of fun to say.

Other Names You Might Hear

  • Line Trimmer: A close synonym to "String Trimmer," emphasizing the cutting line. Common in some regions and retail settings.
  • Weed Whipper: Similar to "Whacker," emphasizing the whipping action.
  • Strimmer: Primarily used in the UK and Ireland. It's essentially their version of "String Trimmer," likely derived from the brand "Strimmer" which was prominent there (much like "Weed Eater" in the US).
  • Whipper Snipper: The dominant term in Australia and New Zealand. Another fantastically descriptive name combining the "whipping" action with the "snipping" result.
  • Brush Cutter: Actually refers to a more heavy-duty version that uses rigid metal blades instead of string, designed for thick brush and small saplings. Sometimes used loosely for powerful string trimmers.

What Should You Call It

Talking to a pro: Say string trimmer.

Shopping online: Search string trimmer for the best results.

Chatting with your neighbor: Say weed eater or weed wacker, chances are they’ll know exactly what you mean.

At the end of the day, all these names refer to the same essential tool: a motorized device that spins a flexible string fast enough to slice through grass, weeds.

Call it what you want - weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, or even whipper snipper. This tool is a must-have for lawn maintenance. What’s more important than the name is how well it works for your yard, your battery system and your trimming needs.