17 September 2008

Where do Pyjamas come from?

Here's your little arbitrary fact of the day.

Did you know the word pyjamas has an Indian origin? According to Etymology Online, it dates back to the 19th century and was originally called "
pai jamahs 'loose trousers tied at the waist,' ".

Apparently some European bloke saw a local wearing it and thought, "Hey!!!" ... in a why don't I do that sort of manner and not at all in a "hey you in those pants" kind of incident.

For further reading, check out the discussion list and links on this site. There are a number of links to foreign loan words from Asia into the English Language.

0 comments: