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flannel


the word used in New South Wales for face washer: Clean your face with this flannel.

Contributor's comments: A common word in my childhood in Sydney; now outmoded.

Contributor's comments: [Perth informant] We used to use the term facewasher when younger. Often called a flannel.

Contributor's comments: I grew up on the mid north coast of NSW calling them 'washers'. I thought a flannel was a winter nightie.

Contributor's comments: Grew up in Whyalla (SA) using a flannel.

Contributor's comments: We did and still do use "flannel" here in Sydney.

Contributor's comments: As a child in Perth (50s), I never heard it called anything other; "facewasher" was a newcomer to me.

Contributor's comments: In Adelaide, the words Facewasher and Flannel are commonly used.


Contributor's comments: I have always used the word flannel for a small towel to have a wash. It wasn't until I met my wife in 1994 that I found out she has always called it a 'face washer'. To this day she still finds it funny I call it just a flannel ... I still can't call it that! I've never called it a face flannel though. Growing up, Mum always said get a flannel from the linen closet.

Contributor's comments: Im from SA Port Adelaide and the most common term is flannel - anyone that calls it anything else you would have to question their origin.

Contributor's comments: I grew up in Ashfield NSW, and my mother is english so i always thought it must be an English term. I have used it all my life. I moved to QLD Bris. when i was 10 and no one seemed to know what a flannel was. My husband is from Qld and has always called it a washer. But i still call it a flannel!

Contributor's comments: [Melbourne informant] My grandmother used this term 55 years ago. She was born in Victoria 1890 and her mother was born in Victoria to English parents.

Contributor's comments: My husband's family, from Cockney London, used flannel. My family, from broader background, used washer or face washer. It seemed to me like a class difference.