Shoeshine: meaning, definitions and examples
👞
shoeshine
[ ˈʃuːʃaɪn ]
service, cleanliness
A shoeshine is a service that involves polishing and cleaning shoes to enhance their appearance. It often takes place in specific locations such as shoe stores, airports, or dedicated shoeshine stands. This service can also contribute to the longevity of the footwear by maintaining the leather or fabric.
Synonyms
shoe care, shoe cleaning, shoe polish.
Examples of usage
- I took my shoes to the shoeshine before the big meeting.
- The airport had a shoeshine stand located near the entrance.
- He owns a small shoeshine business downtown.
- After the shoeshine, my boots looked brand new.
Translations
Translations of the word "shoeshine" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lustrar sapatos
🇮🇳 जूते चमकाना
🇩🇪 Schuhputz
🇮🇩 mengilapkan sepatu
🇺🇦 чистка взуття
🇵🇱 pucowanie butów
🇯🇵 靴磨き
🇫🇷 cirage de chaussures
🇪🇸 lustrar zapatos
🇹🇷 ayakkabı parlatma
🇰🇷 구두 광택
🇸🇦 تلميع الأحذية
🇨🇿 leštění bot
🇸🇰 leštenie topánok
🇨🇳 擦鞋
🇸🇮 poliranje čevljev
🇮🇸 skópur
🇰🇿 аяқ киімді жылтырату
🇬🇪 chaussure polishing
🇦🇿 ayaqqabı parlatma
🇲🇽 lustrar zapatos
Etymology
The term 'shoeshine' dates back to the late 19th century, deriving its roots from the combination of the words 'shoe' and 'shine'. The act of shining shoes became popular in urban areas, particularly in the United States, where it was often associated with street vendors and barbershops providing additional services. The shoeshine business thrived as a way for individuals, often men, to maintain a polished appearance suitable for professional and social engagements. In this context, shoeshiners often served as a social hub, exchanging news and stories while providing their service. Over time, shoeshining has evolved with more specialized products and techniques, particularly with the introduction of commercial shoe polish and brushes, leading to a more refined experience for customers. Today, while the prevalence of shoeshine services has diminished in some areas due to changing fashion trends, it remains a cherished practice in certain cultures and among enthusiasts of traditional grooming rituals.