The life of words is somewhat similar to human. Some enter our vocabulary, serve for a while, and then go out of use, are forgotten, become "obsolete." And so the majority of people: they were born, the time they allotted existed and went into oblivion, without leaving a trace or memory. Other words, once appearing in a speech, serve faithfully for whole ages, remaining necessary and in demand over a vast period of years. Again, like people who have done something useful and good for others.
Two words about etymology
It would seem, what does the word “rag” have to do with this reasoning? This is the name of old rags, things, in fact, all trash. However, the token has taken root long ago and has a wide scope. His etymology is quite interesting. Firstly, a “rag” is a derivative of the adjective “decrepit”, has common roots with it. The difference is only in the alternation of sounds “Tosh” and “Tx”, which is explained by historical language processes. In turn, the "decrepit" came to Russian from the pro-Slavic base language. Therefore, the word has analogues in Old Russian, and in Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Slovak, etc. language systems. But that is not all! "Rags" is a word with pra-Indo-European roots, and similar lexico-phonetic formations exist in Old Lithuanian, Ancient Greek and Latin, as well as in Sanskrit. Their value is approximately the same: either “year”, or “worn out”, “old”, “unsuitable”. Thus, the meanings of modern Russian and already dead languages coincide. So, "rags" is a word that has existed since time immemorial, which in itself attracts the attention of linguistic researchers.
Modern interpretation
In addition to the commonly used, the lexeme also has a highly specialized meaning. It is associated with industrial processes of production and processing of raw materials. In the textile industry, when products are sent for recycling, they get cotton fabric, a harsh but sparse weave that resembles gauze. This is the so-called cleaning cloth. Its area of use is soaking liquids, wiping surfaces, including parts. Using a rag, dust and moisture, grease and oil, chips and more are removed. The production of such a fabric is considered very cheap, so it is so versatile.
Sewing
In the clothing industry, too, can not do without such a fabric. True, its application is somewhat different. Hence the meaning of the word "rags" changes. This is the fabric that covers cotton or batting when warming winter coats and jackets, and other outerwear. The main requirement for such rags is a 100% cotton composition, the absence of synthetic impurities and softness. It should be highly hygroscopic, leave no lint, and have high wear.
Grammatical indicators and lexical compatibility
"Rags" is a noun of material meaning. Refers to the female gender, 3 declension, inanimate, common noun. In everyday speech has several lexical meanings. In addition to old rags, shabby, worn-out things, wretched, disused clothing and shreds of material, this is what all obsolete, obsolete, retrograde is called (“Every inveterate, apolitical, unreasonable thinking must be eliminated from the consciousness of people to give place to new, bright thoughts. Rags and shadows of the past are not the place where plans for a new life should grow and expand ”). True, the use of the word in such a meaning is individually copyrighted. This word is also called last year's grass, leaves, all garbage. Common synonyms: "wiping cloth", "junk", "junk", "tear". Here is such an interesting word!
Fields of application
And finally, in detail about what type of rags is best used in the household. If it is white, cotton, it is perfect for absorption, it is convenient to wipe the surface with it before painting. Terry rags are indispensable for wet cleaning: mopping, dusting, etc. Flannel and colored cotton are useful when you need to clean something from oil and other fats. They are good at wiping polished and glass objects. Knitted colored rags are very soft. It is useful if you need to remove water or spilled oil. A sheet of rags is a universal material applicable both in everyday life and in production needs.