The spelling of the word "coathanger" is unique due to its pronunciation, which does not conform to traditional English phonetics. In IPA, it is written as /ˈkəʊthæŋɡər/. The /əʊ/ sound represents the long "o" sound, while the /æ/ sound represents the short "a" sound. The "th" sound is represented by the letter "th" instead of the digraph "th" used in words like "these" and "those." The spelling of "hanger" remains conventional, but the amalgamation of these sounds makes "coathanger" a notable exception to normal English spelling patterns.
A coathanger, also commonly referred to as a clothes hanger, is a curved device primarily used to hang clothing items, such as shirts, dresses, coats, and suits, to maintain their shape and prevent wrinkles. It typically consists of a long, thin, and sturdy wire frame formed into a triangular or semi-circular shape, often with a hook at the top, allowing it to be conveniently hung on racks, rods, or other fixtures.
The main purpose of a coathanger is to protect clothing from creasing or becoming rumpled when not in use, thereby facilitating easy storage and ensuring garments remain neat and presentable. Coathangers come in various designs and materials to accommodate different clothing types and preferences. Some are padded or coated with plastic, felt, or fabric to provide extra protection or to prevent items from slipping off.
Aside from their role in storing and organizing clothes, coathangers also serve other practical purposes. They can be used as hooks in closets or on doors to hang a variety of items, such as bags, belts, scarves, and ties. Additionally, creative individuals repurpose coathangers for DIY projects, such as crafting mobiles, wreaths, or even rearranging into different shapes or forms.
In summary, a coathanger is a versatile and essential household item designed to facilitate garment storage and organization while preventing wrinkles, maintaining clothing shape, and providing hooks for various accessories.
The word "coathanger" is derived from the combination of the words "coat" and "hanger".
The term "coat" dates back to the 14th century and is derived from the Old French word "cote", meaning a long outer garment. It eventually became a standard term to refer to an outer garment or jacket worn for warmth or protection.
The term "hanger" originated from the verb "to hang", which has Old English roots. Initially, it referred to a device or structure used for suspending or supporting objects by hanging them. Over time, "hanger" specifically came to represent an object designed to hold clothing, usually made of wood, metal, or plastic.
In the early 20th century, the words "coat" and "hanger" were combined to form "coathanger", referring to a device specially designed to hang coats.