shalwar

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

Shalwar’s story begins in Persian: shalwar meant “loose trousers.” Named loose trousers, a style that spread with Turkic and Persian influence across Central and South Asia. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in Hindi/Urdu as shalwar. Shalwar kameez is the national dress of Pakistan. It reached English by 1800s as shalwar. Entered English through South Asian fashion terminology. Today, shalwar means loose, pleated trousers, tapered at the ankles, traditionally worn in South and Central Asia.

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