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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EndNotes

Frock: The end of words


Ann Roth says she's a costume designer, not a fashionista, so she had no idea that the feminine frocks featured in the new film "The Stepford Wives" are very trendy today. 
 (Associated Press photos / The Spokesman-Review)
Ann Roth says she's a costume designer, not a fashionista, so she had no idea that the feminine frocks featured in the new film "The Stepford Wives" are very trendy today. (Associated Press photos / The Spokesman-Review)

I have been doing research in our newspaper archives in recent weeks for various stories and always pause when I come across words that have died from common usage.

For some reason, the word "frock" has surfaced again and again.

Frock: A woman's dress.

I'm surprised the word hasn't be usurped by someone making it a swear word alternative. You know what I mean. I'm glad it hasn't. When I see the word "frock" I think of times in decades past when women wore frocks most of the day, even at home.

 

(Women in frocks from the movie "Stepford Wives." S-R archives)



Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.