Brillo Pad is a trade name for a scouring pad, used for cleaning dishes, and made from steel wool impregnated with soap. The concept was patented in 1913. The company's website states the name Brillo is from the Latin word for 'bright,' though no such word exists in Latin; however, Italian, French, Spanish and English do have words for 'shine' or 'bright' beginning with brill-.
It came at a time when aluminium pots and pans were replacing cast iron in the kitchen. Easily blackened by coal fires, the shine of the cookware didn't last long.
Read more about Brillo Pad: History, Private Eye Usage
Famous quotes containing the word pad:
“Is not disease the rule of existence? There is not a lily pad floating on the river but has been riddled by insects. Almost every shrub and tree has its gall, oftentimes esteemed its chief ornament and hardly to be distinguished from the fruit. If misery loves company, misery has company enough. Now, at midsummer, find me a perfect leaf or fruit.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)