Do Americans use the word 'flannel'? If no, what word do they use?

Question

I'm writing a story that's going to be read by American's more than anything probably. I usually stick with British words and spelling anyway, unless it's in dialogue, but I don't want readers to go 'huh?'.

So I wanted to know if Americans would use the word flannel in this use? A flannel here is like a cloth that you use to wash yourself. It's made from material similar to that of a towell but is of course smaller.

What would Americans use to describe a cloth you clean yourself with, if not? Just a 'cloth'? I don't want it confused with a cloth you would wash dishes or surfaces with.

Any help would be great, and if it's area specfic i'd just need the most general term. Thanks.

Answer 1

I have heard 'flannel', a word of Welsh origin, used in the United States only in reference to jackets, shirts and pajamas. American English has both 'wash cloth' and 'wash rag' for something you clean yourself with but the latter is more common. 'Wash cloth' has an upper middle-class ring to it.

Answer 2

Flannel here is a type of material....flannel sheets and flannel shirts are the most popular way the word is used. It is a heavy material. What we use to clean ourselves is called a washcloth.

Answer 3

The cloth to wash oneself is called a washcloth. Flannel is used to refer to a specific fabric that is popularly used on shirts and pajamas.

Answer 4

yes, flannel is a cloth. we generally call a cloth you wash with a "wash rag" or a "wash cloth". also "flannel mouth" is a person that talks much smack (aka bs)

Answer 5

flannel over here is a type of shirt or blanket, but not for washing.

washccloth would be the proper term.

Answer 6

Washcloth or Washrag, from Austin Texas!

Answer 7

we call it a washcloth. flannel here is like a type of shirt or blankets.

Answer 8

We use the word "rag" or a "wash cloth" either would be good.

Answer 9

washcloth