laundromat etymology

Etymology

"Laundromat" is a portmanteau of the words "laundry" and "automat," the latter of which is a reference to a device that operates automatically.

Meaning

A laundromat is a self-service laundry facility where customers can wash and dry their clothes using coin-operated machines.

Origin

The term "laundromat" was first used in the United States in the early 1950s, shortly after the invention of the automatic washer and dryer. The first laundromat was reportedly opened in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1948.

Spread of the Laundromat

Laundromats quickly became popular in the United States and around the world. By the end of the 1950s, there were more than 20,000 laundromats in the United States alone. The growth of the laundromat industry was driven by several factors, including:

• The increasing number of working women
• The rising popularity of synthetic fabrics, which required specialized care
• The decline of the traditional washboard and clothesline methods of laundry

Laundromats Today

Today, laundromats continue to be an important part of the fabric of many communities. They provide a convenient and affordable way for people to clean their clothes. Laundromats have also become a popular gathering place for people from all walks of life.

laundromat relate terms

• automat

  Etymology Auto from Greek autos meaning self mat from Greek matos meaning ma

• automatic

  Automatic Etymology From Greek automatos meaning self acting From autos meaning s

• laundry

  Etymology The word laundry originates from the Old French word laundrie which in tu

• launder

  Etymology Middle English laundren from Anglo French lavander from Late Latin lavanda

• quit

  Etymology The word quit comes from the Old French word quiter which means to give

• just

  Etymology Origin Old French conscience from Latin conscientia from com with sci

• carcass

  Etymology The word carcass comes from the Old French word carcasse which is derived

• procrastination

  Etymology Latin procrastinare meaning to defer Derived from pro forward and

• posthumous

  Etymology Post Latin after Humus Latin earth Meaning Pertaining to or o

• suppose

  Etymology Meaning The study of the origin and development of words Origin Greek ety

• Babylon

  Etymology The word Babylon is derived from the Akkadian word Babilu or Bab ili

• alacrity

  Etymology The word alacrity comes from the Latin word alacris which means lively

• conceit

  Etymology The word conceit derives from the Latin word conceptus meaning conception

• Druid

  Etymology The word druid derives from the Proto Celtic word druwid which is of uncer