Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun plural A rough, dry, scaly condition of the hands typically caused by sensitivity to or excessive use of household detergents or cleaning agents.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun idiomatic Hands which are rough, reddish, and dry, as from irritation and chafing caused by immersion in hot water mixed with detergent.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Possibly coined circa mid-1920s for the advertising of Lever Brothers "Lux" brand dishwashing soap.

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