The phrase "hospital corner" refers to a technique used in making a bed where the sheet is tightly tucked into the mattress at the foot of the bed, creating a neat and tidy corner. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as hɒspɪtəl ˈkɔːnə. The "h" at the beginning is pronounced with a breath of air, while the emphasis is on the second syllable of "hospital". The "corner" is pronounced with a long "o" sound and emphasis on the first syllable.
Hospital corner refers to a specific technique used to neatly fold and secure the bedsheets in place on a bed. It is commonly employed in hospitals, hence the name, but also widely used in other settings such as hotels, military barracks, and homes.
To create hospital corners, the process begins with tucking the bottom end of the bedsheet tightly and smoothly under the mattress. The sides of the sheet are then lifted and folded 45 degrees towards the head of the bed. Next, the folded sides are tucked underneath the mattress, ensuring a crisp and wrinkle-free finish. Finally, the remaining sheet is pulled tightly and tucked underneath the mattress, resulting in a smooth and tight corner that holds the sheet securely in place.
The purpose of hospital corners is two-fold: functional and aesthetic. Functionally, they serve to prevent the bedsheet from coming loose during sleep or movement, ensuring that the bed remains tidy and presentable. Aesthetically, hospital corners give the bed a polished and professional appearance, often associated with cleanliness and attention to detail.
In summary, hospital corners are a technique used to neatly fold and secure bedsheets on a bed. By employing this method, the sheets are held tightly, preventing them from coming loose, and resulting in a clean and tidy bed.
The term "hospital corner" comes from the world of nursing and healthcare. The exact etymology of the phrase is difficult to trace, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century.
In hospitals, nursing staff are responsible for ensuring that beds are properly made with tight and neat linens. The technique used to create this tidy appearance is known as "hospital corners". The linens are tucked and folded in a specific manner to create a tight fit and to prevent the sheets from coming undone.
The term "hospital corner" likely emerged out of the association between this particular bed-making technique and the meticulous standards of cleanliness and orderliness maintained in hospitals. Over time, the phrase has entered the common lexicon and is now used to refer to the technique in various contexts, such as in home care or the military.