Etymology Map
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Shalwar

3 stages from Persian to English.

Today it means loose, pleated trousers, tapered at the ankles, traditionally worn in South and Central Asia

Where does the word "shalwar" come from? It comes from Persian shalwar, passing through Hindi/Urdu before entering English (1800s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
shalwar
Persian · medieval
"loose trousers"
named loose trousers, a style that spread with Turkic and Persian influence across Central and South Asia
2
Stage 2 of 3
shalwar
Hindi/Urdu · 1500s
"loose pleated trousers"
adopted into South Asian dress, later paired with the tunic "kameez"
3
Stage 3 of 3
shalwar
English · 1800s
"loose pleated trousers"
entered English through South Asian fashion terminology
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