The term white goods

[romwriter]

I am writing a novel in which a salesman presents to his team a new market for their product, namely ‘white goods’ . This takes place in 1957, one of those pre-reading my final draft has queried when we started using the term, suggesting this is too early. I have checked the Shorter Oxford and Collins dictionaries, The Oxford does not list it, Collins does but gives no date. Any help, views, recollections would be welcomed. Thanks.

[Martin]

Re: The term white goods

White goods was a term coined a little later, probably late 60’s? To distinguish the two distinct categories of retail domestic electical products. Namely ‘white goods’ (washers and fridges) and ‘brown goods’ (TV’s, radios and record players).

[romwriter]

Re: The term white goods

Thanks, that’s just what I needed. romwriter

[Author]

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