WHY ARE NAPPIES CALLED NAPPIES?

by WhichNappy.co.uk

The answer to this question may not seem so obvious. Let’s take a quick look at the origins of this word and modern usage.

Our brief investigation discovered that the common belief seems to be that “nappy” is derived from “napkin”. However, there are other theories which we collected and summarized below:

· Nappy is a derivative of “nap” which is a fuzzy surface layer on yarn or cloth

· It may have come from the Middle Dutch noppich – a fabric with fluffy surface layer

· Possibly an assimilated version of French “nappe” meaning ‘table cloth’

· In Middle English ‘diaper’ was the common word for what now is called ‘nappy’ in Britain; “diaper” was the type of cloth used for diapering

· Nappy became racially abusive in USA since it refers to the ‘nappy head’, i.e. the short curly hair the slaves had

· Merriam-Webster Dictionary traces the first known use of this word to 1927.

· In the 40’s during the war when the natural cloth and fabric were ‘strategic’ resources, the first cellulose and rubber (!) nappies were introduced, but regardless of the material the name ‘nappy’ stuck.

First mass production of reusable cloth nappies/diapers started in 1887 in the US. However, the person typically credited with inventing the modern day nappies is Marion Donovan. She experimented with shower curtain pursuing her goal of making a nappy which is absorbent yet won't leak or release liquid when pressed. Despite the scepticism of most manufacturers, she launched 'The Boater' - a combination of nylon and cloth which became an instant hit. However nonwoven disposable nappies started having a real impact on the age-long practice of washing and drying the cloth when Procter & Gamble's engineer Victor Mills developed “Pampers” in the 1950-60’s. Pampers have now become a household name for nappies in many markets.

The current concern about the landfill non-compostable waste the nappies generate seems to be breathing new life into the cloth (or ‘real’) nappies, but no matter the name, it is worth knowing your options, and benefits of each nappy type.

Read more about:

· Nappy types

· Nappy the life saver

· Environmental impact of nappies

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