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Cheongsam

2 stages from Cantonese to English.

Today it means a fitted, high-collared traditional Chinese dress, typically with side slits

Where does the word "cheongsam" come from? It comes from Cantonese chèuhngsāam, adopted directly into English (1950s-1960s).

chèuhngsāam→cheongsam

Cantonese · 1920s

"a fitted, high-collared traditional dress"

literally 'long garment', naming a fitted, high-collared dress that became fashionable in Shanghai and Hong Kong

English · 1950s-1960s

"a fitted, high-collared Chinese dress"

borrowed by Western fashion writers describing the elegant Chinese dress

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