Definition of stripper

The term "stripper" originally referred to a mechanical device used to remove paint or varnish from surfaces. In the early 20th century, this term was popularized in the context of burlesque shows, where female performers would remove parts of their costumes in a sensual and provocative manner. As these shows gained popularity and became associated with exotic dance acts, the term "stripper" came to specifically refer to these performers. The origins of the mechanical definition of stripper can be traced back to the mid-19th century, where it was used to describe a device used in textile manufacturing to separate threads or fibers from a material. In this context, the term "stripper" was originally used to describe a machine or hand tool used to remove strips of cloth or paper. Over time, the use of "stripper" spread to other industries, such as automotive and manufacturing, to describe devices used to remove adhesives, coatings, or materials from surfaces in preparation for further processing. In short, today's definition of "stripper" as a word associated with exotic dancing can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it was originally used to describe burlesque performers removing parts of their costumes in a suggestive manner. The term's mechanical origins, however, can be traced back much further, to the mid-19th century, when it was used to describe instruments and machines used to separate threads and fibers.