shar-pei

Where does the word "shar-pei" come from? It comes from Cantonese sā pei, and was adopted directly into English (1970s-1980s).

Shar-pei’s story begins in Cantonese: sā pei meant “a rough, sandpaper-like coat.” Literally 'sand skin' or 'sand coat', describing the breed's distinctive rough, wrinkled coat. It reached English by 1970s-1980s as shar-pei. Cantonese 'sand skin'; the breed nearly died out and was saved by breeder Matgo Law in 1970s Hong Kong. Today, shar-pei means a Chinese dog breed distinguished by its deeply wrinkled skin and bristly coat.

1. Stage 1 · Cantonese · medieval sā pei "a rough, sandpaper-like coat", literally 'sand skin' or 'sand coat', describing the breed's distinctive rough, wrinkled coat.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1970s-1980s shar-pei "a Chinese dog breed known for its loose, wrinkled skin", Cantonese 'sand skin'; the breed nearly died out and was saved by breeder Matgo Law in 1970s Hong Kong.