The Bureau of Standards at Washington has begun to interfere in things other than industrial, and has been giving attention to the language of the wash-tub. The Bureau disapproves not of the vessel itself, but of the words associated with it. "Use," we are told, "should be made of the more elegant term `refreshment' to indicate laundry processes which restore garments to the wholesome cleanliness so important to hygiene." It will be noted that "clothes" are not mentioned, only "garments."
Some confusion might be caused in Ireland if such improved language should become general. For instance, the inquiry: "Have you finished your refreshment yet, Mrs Murphy?" might lead to the reply: "I haven't seen any so far, ma'am, but I could do wonders with this wash after a bottle of Guinness." This "refaned" language is unlikely to be adopted here; yet it is interesting to know that someone in the United States is looking after its language.
The Irish Times, September 13th, 1930.
