Meaning of Hoover blanket | Babel Free

Definitions

Old newspaper or cardboard, used by a homeless person to cover themselves for warmth, especially during the Great Depression.

US, dated, historical

Examples

“The shantytowns where homeless thousands dwelled were called Hoovervilles; newspapers used as blankets by men who were forced to sleep⟳ on park⟳ benches were Hoover blankets; a pocket turned inside out was a Hoover flag […]”

“The newly unemployed stood in breadlines and slept on park⟳ benches under Hoover blankets made of newspaper.”

“Poverty became a way of life for 40 million Americans as laid off workers roamed the streets sleeping under Hoover 'blankets' - old newspapers. By 1933 the number⟳ of unemployed would mount⟳ to between 13 and 15 million […]”

“Hoovervilles dotted the American landscape, men slept under newspapers or "Hoover blankets," and kept the money they did't have⟳ in turned-out pockets […]”

“... country—who were out of work⟳, penniless, embarrassed, immobilized in sheer desperation, standing slumped, hollow-eyed, in long breadlines, begging or selling apples, sleeping under frayed overcoats or under Hoover blankets on streets ...”

“[Even witnessing people] hollow-eyed, in breadlines that stretched block⟳ after block⟳, covering themselves at night with newspapers they called “Hoover blankets,” the president was stunningly unwilling to reach⟳ out to desperate Americans.”

“People who spent the night on park⟳ benches covered by newspapers said they were sleeping under “Hoover blankets.””

“"Or living under a Hoover blanket in Central Park⟳. A whole lot of folks there at night. Cold. Scary." "A Hoover blanket?" I was confused. He laughed. "Cardboard."”

CEFR level