Ever caught yourself literarily tripping over an archaic phrase and wondered, “Did they really just call her that?” Welcome to the curious case of ‘a piece of goods’—historically a term used both humorously and disparagingly to refer to a woman. A delicate tapestry, indeed, spun with words borrowed from trade and sewing.
Similar Expressions
- Piece of fluff: Another term historically used provocatively to describe a woman, often in a condescending manner.
- Piece of work: Equally applicable to men or women, describing someone as particularly remarkable or problematic in their behavior.
Synonyms
- Lass
- Dame
- Maiden
Antonyms
- Gentleman
- Knight
- Saint
Quotes 📜
- Thomas Gray put it negatively: “That agreeable creature . . . will visit you soon, with that dry piece of goods, his wife.”
- Fanny Burney used it amusingly: “His daughter—as droll a piece of goods as one might wish to know.”
References in Literature 📚
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Full of witticisms and sometimes condescending remarks about women and their roles.
- The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne – Another profound dive into the perception of women in historical context.
Songs 🎶
- “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin – An anthem against underestimating one’s value.
Movies 🎥
- Suffragette – Delve into the history of women’s rights movements.
- The Favourite – A witty take on the complex lives of royal women.
Quizzes 🎯
Let’s test your knowledge and add a bit of fun to this exploration!
### Which of these phrases refers to an outdated term for a woman?
- [x] A piece of goods
- [ ] A cup of noodles
- [ ] A stack of books
- [ ] An ocean of stars
> **Explanation:** "A piece of goods" is indeed an archaic term for a woman, often used humorously or disparagingly.
### True or False: 'Piece of work' only refers to women.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** 'Piece of work' can describe men or women and generally comments on someone's notable behavior, often less than flattering.
Remember, words carry weight and histories that shape how we perceive them today. Let’s tread carefully and respectfully, transforming our use of language to reflect the equivalent worth of all individuals.
Until next time, let your words be your legacy, weaving kindness into the fabric of our shared languages.
Adele Vocabulary Published on October 12, 2023
