Pink slip

Origin

In the bustling offices and factories of early 20th-century America, internal documents often relied on color-coding to quickly identify their purpose. Amidst the white memos and yellow requisitions, a particular hue was reserved for the most somber of news: termination of employment. Whether intended to soften the blow or simply make the notice unmistakable, the distinctive pink paper became an ominous symbol. Employees receiving this bright, unwelcome slip knew their time with the company was over, imbuing the simple color with the dread of sudden job loss and forever cementing 'pink slip' as the stark euphemism for dismissal.