'sad' iron--why are they called that?

15 years ago

I found a body of an old iron today, and it was called a "sad" iron. Later I looked it up and found that the entire group of irons like this was called "sad" irons.

Beyond the obvious, which *can't* be the right explanation, does anyone know why they were called "sad"?

TIA.

Featured Answer

lindac

15 years ago

In Old English, sad meant heavy, solid, dense....hence a "sad iron".
Linda C

Comments (8)

mahatmacat1
Original Author
15 years ago
Isn't that fascinating--Thanks!
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Ideefixe
15 years ago
Ironing has quite the history!

Here is a link that might be useful: History of Domestic Paraphernalia
damascusannie
15 years ago
As an adjunct to my sewing machine collection, I also collect other sewing-related stuff, including irons. We joke that they were called "sad" irons 'cuz that's how you felt when you knew you had a long day of ironing ahead of you. 8^)

Annie
mahatmacat1
Original Author
15 years ago
Now see, Annie, that's what immediately occurred to me, but I knew there must be some other explanation...

It's going to be used as a doorstop, NOT as an ironing implement. Not ironing makes me happy :)
damascusannie
15 years ago
I use mine as bookends in my sewing room.

Annie
Kerry Corley
2 years ago
Very fun to know . I love info like this!!
Kerry Corley
2 years ago
I was going to use them as bookends too.