milk carton

Definition

A small, typically single-serving carton of milk commonly provided with school lunches, often featuring a fold-out spout and sometimes decorated with missing children photos in the 1980s-90s. It's a quintessential element of the American school lunch experience.

Example Usage

I accidentally punctured my milk carton with the straw and made a mess all over my tray.

Origin

Gable Top patents date to the 1930s; widespread school adoption occurred mid-20th century.

Fun Fact

Milk cartons distributed in schools became a vehicle for missing children awareness campaigns starting in 1979, turning a everyday object into a public service tool.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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