Venetians

/vəˈniːʃənz/ noun

Definition

Window blinds made of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control light, named after Venice; also, people from Venice.

Etymology

From Venetia, the Latin name for the Venice region. Venetian blinds became popular in the 18th century and were named after the city's association with luxury goods and craftsmanship.

Kelly Says

Venetian blinds aren't actually from Venice—they were likely invented in Persia or Japan, but European traders saw them in Venice and credited the city because it was the hub of luxury imports and innovation. Marketing and naming matter in history!

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