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Laundrette Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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laundrette

[lษ”หnหˆdrษ›t ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

self-service laundry

A laundrette is a self-service facility where people can wash and dry their clothes using coin-operated machines. It is often found in residential areas and is convenient for those who do not have washing machines at home.

Synonyms

laundry, self-service laundry, washing facility.

Examples of usage

  • I need to go to the laundrette to wash my bedding.
  • She spent her afternoon at the laundrette doing laundry.
  • The local laundrette offers wash-and-fold services.
  • He met an old friend at the laundrette while doing his laundry.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Influence

  • Laundrettes have been depicted in popular films and TV shows, often serving as a backdrop for character development and social encounters.
  • Music videos set in laundrettes frequently use the setting to symbolize domestic life or romantic entanglements.

Economic Impact

  • Laundrettes provide essential services in urban areas, particularly for those without personal washing machines at home, contributing to community convenience.
  • These facilities can also foster a sense of community, as people often interact while waiting for their laundry to finish.

Social Dynamics

  • The ambiance of a laundrette can range from bustling urban spots to quiet neighborhood hubs, different atmospheres attracting various demographics.
  • Using a laundrette can also serve as a unique social experience, with people meeting and sharing stories while doing their laundry.

Technology

  • Modern laundrettes have adopted technology such as mobile payment and app booking, streamlining the washing and drying process.
  • Some establishments now offer value-added services like folding, ironing, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions for environmentally conscious customers.

Origin of 'laundrette'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'laundrette' originated in the 1940s in the United Kingdom, blending 'laundry' with the French diminutive suffix '-ette' to imply a smaller or informal laundry service.
  • As self-service laundry became popular, the word 'laundrette' was adopted to describe establishments catering primarily to customers' washing needs.

The term 'laundrette' is derived from the word 'laundry,' which has its origins in the Old French word 'laundry' meaning 'to wash' or 'clean.' The suffix '-ette' is a diminutive form used in English to indicate a smaller version or a specific type of something, usually adopting a sense of charm or novelty. The first laundrettes began to appear in the United Kingdom in the 1940s, providing affordable self-service washing facilities for the public, especially in urban areas where access to home washing machines was limited. The concept gained popularity as a convenient solution for busy individuals and families, allowing them to manage their laundry independently.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,325, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.