groceries etymology

Etymology

The word "groceries" derives from the Old French "grosserie," which means "wholesale trade."

Meaning and Origin

In its original sense, "groceries" referred to goods sold in bulk by wholesalers to retailers. These goods typically included staple food items such as flour, sugar, tea, and coffee.

Over time, the meaning of "groceries" expanded to encompass a wider range of food items sold in retail stores. Today, the term is commonly used to refer to any item purchased for consumption in a household, including processed foods, produce, meat, and dairy products.

The term "grocery store" emerged in the 19th century to describe stores that primarily sold groceries, as opposed to general stores that carried a variety of items, including hardware, clothing, and other merchandise.

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