Drygoods is a term used to describe any type of merchandise that does not require refrigeration, such as textiles or clothing. The word is spelled with two separate words, "dry" and "goods," and is pronounced as [draiɡʊdz] in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "dry" part of the word is pronounced with a long "i" sound as in "eye," while the "goods" part is pronounced with a short "u" sound as in "put." Together, they create the distinctive sound of this term.
Drygoods refers to products or items that are sold in a dry state and typically do not require refrigeration or special storage conditions. It is a term commonly used in the retail industry, particularly in the context of traditional brick-and-mortar stores or general merchandise shops.
The term "drygoods" is typically used to describe a wide range of non-perishable goods, including but not limited to textiles, clothing, fabrics, household items, and small hardware supplies. These items are typically sold in a packaged or tightly sealed condition to ensure their longevity and protect them from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, or light. Drygoods can include items like clothing, towels, bedsheets, draperies, blankets, kitchen towels, tablecloths, and quilting fabrics.
Historically, the term "drygoods" was commonly used in general stores or mercantile establishments that sold a variety of household necessities. These stores stocked a wide range of products that were not easily perishable and did not include food or perishable items. Over time, the term has evolved to also encompass specialty stores that focus on specific dry goods items, such as textile shops or fabric stores.
In summary, drygoods refer to non-perishable items sold in a packaged or sealed condition, typically including textiles, fabrics, clothing, household items, and small hardware supplies. The term is often associated with traditional retail establishments and general stores.
The word "drygoods" originated in the 18th century to refer to textiles and fabrics that were not of a notably wet or liquid nature. The term "dry" in "drygoods" does not relate to the absence of moisture, but rather distinguishes these types of products from "wetgoods" such as perishable food items or liquids.
The word "drygoods" is a compound word, where "dry" functions as an adjective modifying the noun "goods". It can be traced back to Middle English, where the word "drye" meant "to make dry" or "not wet". This likely evolved from Old English "dryge", which had similar meanings.
Over time, "drygoods" specifically came to represent textiles and fabrics sold in general stores or mercantile establishments. The scope of the term expanded to include a wide range of items like clothing, linens, and sewing materials.