The name “tapeworm” also predates the invention of tape. From what I can tell (Google search results) tape used to refer to any long, thin strip of material instead of just the sticky kind.
It’s still used that way. Magnetic tape (i.e. that stuff found in cassettes) isn’t sticky, either. Neither is measuring tape. In fact, the full name of the sticky stuff is “adhesive tape”, so stickiness is not a requirement for tape.
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Belly+worm
Phew, that was easy. Cheers for saving the day!
The name “tapeworm” also predates the invention of tape. From what I can tell (Google search results) tape used to refer to any long, thin strip of material instead of just the sticky kind.
It’s still used that way. Magnetic tape (i.e. that stuff found in cassettes) isn’t sticky, either. Neither is measuring tape. In fact, the full name of the sticky stuff is “adhesive tape”, so stickiness is not a requirement for tape.
I grew up calling it “sticky tape.” Because we also had tape measures, various forms of magnetic tapes and plumbing tape.
And here I was pondering the tapeworm before I read your comment.