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To editor Bermicourt: You added a book as reference but failed to include the page number, so that needs to be addressed. The story itself sounds apocryphal. Everyone knows the term came post-WWII from the detergent and most references say that. It is unclear if the term existed prior to WWII to mean a conscription order. That's what I think is made up. Chris Troutman (talk) 15:36, 8 April 2018 (UTC)[reply]
The page number wasn't visible, but do feel free to add it if you can track it down. It matters little because the terms are in alphabetical order in the book. I've added more sources that state it was originally military jargon for a conscription order. I wonder if your scepticism is because you're thinking of modern-day washing powder cartons and domestic washing machines, not the large, trade-sized boxes used at laundries in wartime Germany which were, according to one source, best suited in size and durability for clothes if one didn't have a suitcase in those harsh times. HTH. --Bermicourt (talk) 17:18, 8 April 2018 (UTC)[reply]
@Bermicourt: Thanks for adding those sources; you've satisfied my doubts about the story. Chris Troutman (talk) 19:02, 13 April 2018 (UTC)[reply]
