Etymology
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shoe-shine (adj.)

1895, noun and adjective, in reference to a polish given to the shoes, especially by one who does so for pay; from shoe (n.) + shine (n.). Shoe-shine boy is attested by 1906. Earlier names for one who cleans and polishes shoes or boots for money include shoeblacker (1755), also shoeblack (1778), and shoeboy (1724).

updated on August 25, 2022

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