Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris Why do Brits think 'pants' are underwear? | CLOTHING WORDS
May 21, 2025
Discover why 'pants' mean different things across the pond and which city inspired the name for jeans. Uncover the playful history of the flapper girl and dive into the intriguing origins of nylon, linking New York and London. Explore the evolution of legwear terminology and the societal impacts behind iconic garments like cardigans and Wellington boots. Learn how words like 'ruff' and 'bikini' have transformed through time, revealing the ever-changing landscape of fashion language.
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Why "Pants" Mean Different Things
- The American word "pants" comes from "pantaloons," a type of garment named after an Italian theatrical character.
- The British meaning of "pants" is a shortening of "underpants," leading to the transatlantic difference.
Jeans Named After Genoa
- Jeans are named after Genoa, Italy, historically called "Jeans" in England.
- The earliest jeans were sailor trousers designed large to be kicked off if falling overboard.
Origin of "Dungarees" Fabric
- The name "dungarees" comes from a hill fort near Mumbai, India, where a rugged cotton fabric was traded.
- This fabric was initially used for sails and tents before becoming popular for work clothes in England.
