Etymology Map
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Kikoi

2 stages from Swahili to English.

Today it means a brightly striped cotton cloth worn as a wrap or sarong, originally from East Africa

Where does the word "kikoi" come from? It comes from Swahili kikoi, adopted directly into English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
kikoi
Swahili · 1860s
"a woven wraparound cloth"
of unknown deeper origin, traditionally worn by East African men as a wraparound cloth
2
Stage 2 of 2
kikoi
English · 1900s
"a striped cotton wrap or sarong"
adopted into English through East African trade and travel writing
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