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Where does the word "ecru" come from? It comes from French ecru, and was adopted directly into English (1870s).
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Where does the word "ecru" come from? It comes from French ecru, and was adopted directly into English (1870s).
Ecru’s story begins in French: ecru meant “raw, unbleached.” Literally raw, unbleached, describing the natural color of undyed linen. It reached English by 1870s as ecru. French 'raw', for unbleached linen or silk. Today, ecru means a pale beige color, resembling unbleached linen.
- Stage 1 · French · 1800s ecru "raw, unbleached", literally raw, unbleached, describing the natural color of undyed linen.
- Stage 2 · English · 1870s ecru "a pale beige color", French 'raw', for unbleached linen or silk.