White goods

[pne]

Inspired by this entry from Language Log, but turned into a poll.

Apparently, this is a very British phrase and most Americans would be stumped by it. Here, have a guess, wherever you come from (though those from the UK will probably find it absurdly easy). No Googling or Wikipediery before answering, of course.

[Poll #1052014]

Comments

[arthur-sc-king.livejournal.com]

I picked up the phrase from the point of view of recycling. The garbage facility up in Yellowknife is geared towards recycling as much as possible, and appliances that are mostly composed of steel — refrigerators, washing machines, etc. — were referred to as "white metal".

(The facility allows for compacting of trash into large bales. "White metal", aluminum, and other separable and relatively-valuable items are baled separately from "regular" garbage.)

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

you have white trash in your neighborhood too?

so..prolific, they are!