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Where does the term 'laundry list' come from?

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I've heard that it originates from as early as the Civil War, when soldiers would jot a list of their items to be laundered (and hopefully returned). In any event, it comes from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century when many sent their laundry out to be cleaned. Through the years it has come to mean any relatively long, detailed list of items.

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First answer by Lynda Jean. Last edit by Lynda Jean. Contributor trust: 178 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 11 [recommend question]

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