little girls' room en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
Originally from the need to find public lavatories for children, possibly by analogy with the somewhat earlier-attested little boys' room, but already in broader euphemistic use by its first known appearance in John O'Hara's BUtterfield 8.
Meanings
-
(euphemistic, informal) Synonym of ladies' room: a public lavatory intended for use by women.
The women's toilet (as distinguished from the ladies' room in a speakeasy, the johnny at school, the little girls' room at a party in an apartment, and the wash-my-hands on a train) was clean enough.
1935, John O'Hara, BUtterfield 8, Ch. ix, page 279
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: A room belonging to or used by little girls, particularly their bedroom.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| little girl's room | alternative | lexicographic | |
| little girls' rooms | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| little girls room | alternative | lexicographic |