Glasgow gang (i.e. a bunch of chib-wielding neds) originating in the 1960s. Said to have taken their name from the movie "The Terror of the Tongs", starring Christopher Lee. Famed for their battle cry of "Tongs ya bas!".

Affiliated organizations include the She Tongs, Young Tongs, Young Young Tongs, Tiny Tongs, and Toddler Tongs.

Tongs (?), n. pl. [OE. tonge, tange, AS. tange; akin to D. tang, G. zanga, OHG. zanga, Don. tang, Sw. tng, Icel. tng, Gr. to bite, Skr. da, da. &root;59. Cf. Tang a strong taste, anything projecting.]

An instrument, usually of metal, consisting of two parts, or long shafts, jointed together at or near one end, or united by an elastic bow, used for handling things, especially hot coals or metals; -- often called a pair of tongs.

 

© Webster 1913.

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