cushion vs pillow

[liv3000]

Which is exactly the difference between CUSHION and PILLOW?

l called both pillows, when l've heard also "cushion" that seems the italian "cuscino" but we only have one word to name that object.

thanks

Liv

 

[pinha]

I'd say pillow is specific for the bed, whereas for example, you can find cushions on sofas or armchairs

 

[liv3000]

Thanks pinha, l thought that might have had one of these differences, but can one call "pillows" the ones on a sofa as well?

 

[pinha]

I don't think so, but ask a Native, just to be on the safe side!!

 

[fabius]

but we only have one word to name that object.

If "we" is referred to Italians, it is not exact, we also have two distinct words:
"cuscino" more general, may be referred to bed, sofa, etc. , or even technical application: "cuscino d'aria" as in an hovercraft, and so on.

"guanciale" is specifically a "cuscino" for the bed.

However in modern times "guanciale" sounds a little bit old-fashioned, and its use is declining in everyday use.

 

[saretta]

If "we" is referred to Italians, it is not exact, we also have two distinct words:
"cuscino" more general, may be referred to bed, sofa, etc. , or even technical application: "cuscino d'aria" as in an hovercraft, and so on.

"guanciale" is specifically a "cuscino" for the bed.

However in modern times "guanciale" sounds a little bit old-fashioned, and its use is declining in everyday use.

Agree. In English, however, pillow is definitely "guanciale", and cushion is definitely "cuscino". And they're both absolutely up-to-date, though cushion is also used sometimes to refer to "guanciale", but not vice-versa (we don't say the sofa pillows but the sofa cushions).

 

[Janey UK]

Pillows are definitely specific to a bed...you will not find pillows on a sofa. However, whilst cushions are USUALLY found on a sofa, it is also possible to find them on a bed (alongside pillows), usually as part of the decor of a bedroom (and usually removed when one actually settles down to sleep).

Hope this clarifies things for you!

Jane

 

[TimLA]

I think there may be some subtle BE/AE differences here.

There are two types of "pillows" (at least) in AE -
Pillows "on the bed" = HERE
Pillows on the couch and elsewhere -"throw pillows" - HERE

A "cushion" is often something you sit or lie on -
like a "cushion" of a couch - HERE.

 

[Janey UK]

Yes Tim, this is a definitely a case of subtle differences between BE and AE...I followed the link to your "throw pillows" and they would definitely be referred to as "throw cushions" in England.

In BE a cushion is something you not only sit on and lie on...but also something you prop yourself up on (like a pillow!) when watching a movie on TV or reading a good book in bed. Then, when it's time to turn out the light, the "cushions" get thrown onto the floor (I'm a terrible housekeeper!) and one snuggles down into one's pillow(s) to actually go to sleep.

Jane xx

 

[saretta]

Yes Tim, this is a definitely a case of subtle differences between BE and AE...I followed the link to your "throw pillows" and they would definitely be referred to as "throw cushions" in England.

In BE a cushion is something you not only sit on and lie on...but also something you prop yourself up on (like a pillow!) when watching a movie on TV or reading a good book in bed. Then, when it's time to turn out the light, the "cushions" get thrown onto the floor (I'm a terrible housekeeper!) and one snuggles down into one's pillow(s) to actually go to sleep.

Jane xx

Thanks Jane and Tim, what an eye opener this forum is.

 

[Einstein]

Interesting AE/BE. Another distinction (in BE) is the style of the covering. The pillow has a covering (pillow-slip) of similar material to the sheets and often matching them, which is regularly changed and washed. The cushion is covered by a more robust material which is washed less often.